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Oh, but those hugs and kisses had been so welcome, had felt so real.

And I’d heard their voices.

That dream had calmed me for the rest of the day and had brought me much-needed solace, and it all happened while Tristan looked on.

I smiled wistfully at the photo. “Goodnight, family. I miss you. It was great to see you today. I wish it could have been longer.” I blew them a kiss and lay back, letting one lonely tear run down my cheek, before I closed my eyes and slept.

At breakfast I managed two buttered crumpets with honey under Dylan’s watchful eye.

“I wish you’d told me earlier that you like crumpets,” he muttered.

I shrugged and took the final bite. They were delicious. “You know I can do this for myself.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. I’m just making sure you eat.” He gave me a crooked smile. “You ready?”

“I need to brush my teeth.”

We had an appointment at the new school, and I was nervous, though I felt a great deal calmer than I had over the eventful weekend.

But what if I don’t like the school? What if I hate it?

Emily. Stop.

“You’d better hurry up,” Dylan chided.

“Yeah yeah.”

When I came downstairs wearing my usual jeans and T-shirt, Dylan pursed his lips and I knew he disapproved. But he didn’t comment. He was wearing jeans too, but he looked immaculate in his white shirt and black jacket. He always looked smart, even in his most casual clothes.

I huffed and slipped on my black jacket. This seemed to mollify him.

“Let’s go,” he said.

I glanced up the stairs, but there was no sign or smell of our friendly neighborhood ghost boy.

Dylan frowned. “Forgotten something?”

“No!” I said too quickly while shaking my head, and he gave me a quizzical look. I shrugged, saying nothing, and his frown deepened.

“Okay, then,” he muttered as he set the alarm, and I hurried out of the house into a glorious summer’s day.

“Top-down weather. Put the baseball cap on, and your seatbelt,” he ordered once we were in the car.

Bossy much?

I gave him a sideways look, which he ignored as he started the car, but I did as I was told and threaded my plait through the back of the cap.

I glanced at him, trying to fathom his mood. “Are you anxious about this meeting?”

“No. Should I be? Are you?”

I shook my head once more. “Not really. You’re in a strange mood.”

“Am I?” He gave me another puzzled look. “I’m fine, Emily. I have to go out later, to another meeting. I’m just reluctant to leave you on your own, that’s all.”

“I’m good today,” I reassured him.

He shot me a quick glance, but I couldn’t read the expression behind his sunglasses. “There’s a locksmith coming around this afternoon to fit another lock to the front door. I’m not sure if I’ll be back in time.”