‘So this is where it happened.’ Mum was looking in through the window of the Transcontinental Hotel in Farina.

‘Yep,’ Dad answered.

He hung back, not going all the way up to the building. A satellite phone dangled from the belt of his blue jeans. Sam and Em were across the road, staring into the bakery, no doubt imagining again that it was a jail.

‘You can see better from inside,’ said Dawson, leading Mum into the dilapidated building.

Dawson took her through the whole story, showing where the accident had happened and how Dad had been rescued. After Mum walked back out, Dawson jumped down into the cellar.

It felt strange being back. But Dad had insisted on doing the holiday over again. This time they had Mum with them and they were better prepared. He said that bad memories were like lingering ghosts and that they had to be put to rest and replaced with good memories.

Dawson nodded to himself. The image of Dad lying in the cellar had haunted him for the past year. A feeling of fear would creep up on him when he least expected it. But now that he was here … the cellar didn’t seem so scary. No ghosts to be found … not anymore. He smiled at the thought of a ghost town without any ghosts.

Taking a last look around, he noticed the steps had been cleared of rubble. He climbed up and out.

The sun was inching to the horizon and the golden light reminded Dawson of their last visit. Maybe this time he’d get to look around properly. And maybe this time, no one would get injured.

‘You know, you’re very lucky,’ Mum said to Dad as they all headed for the campground.

‘Yep,’ answered Dad. He still walked with a bit of limp. ‘Lucky to have such resourceful kids. And lucky to live in a country that has the Royal Flying Doctor Service.’

‘Yeah,’ agreed Sam. ‘Resourceful kids. That’ll be us.’

‘What does “resourceful” mean?’ asked Em.

‘It means being quick and clever at solving problems,’ answered Dad, ruffling her hair.

‘I’m quick!’ Em smiled proudly. ‘That’s why I’m good at chasey.’ She looked up at Dad suddenly, eyes wide like a puppy dog. ‘Can we play now?’

‘As long as you stay out of the buildings,’ said Dad.

Em grinned, slapped Sam on the leg and took off up the main street.

Sam turned to Dawson, an enquiring look in her eyes. Dawson shrugged. Sam laughed, slapped him on the shoulder and went after Em.

‘High five,’ said Dad raising his hand.

Dawson clapped his hand.

‘I may be a little limpy,’ said Dad, ‘but I’m still a furiously fast father. So you better get going.’

Dawson grabbed his Mum’s hand and took off.

‘Ready or not,’ called Dad, ‘here I come!’