28Shortly after a breakfast of porridge, followed by eggs and bacon, Jed slid in behind the wheel of the little Vauxhall and turned the key. After the third attempt, the engine spluttered into life, not a promising sign. The old lady stood beside the car, drying her hands on the white apron around her waist. “You've got my number?”
Jed patted his breast pocket and smiled. Feeling awkward, he stared at the steering wheel. “I don't know what to say, where to begin.”
“Don't say anything. Talk to your dad. Talk to your brother. If you need any help, you call me.” She leaned in through the open window and kissed him.
“Thank you.”
“God bless you, Jed.”
He put the car into gear, slowly drove away from the visitors' centre, and headed for the forest road, taking him away from that mournful pl
