Melissa refused to lose her temper. Those shadows were simply part of a day that was going to stretch her capacity. She could deal. She found a sunny, shadow-free part of the wall and leaned against it. Time to read that note. It was from Bettina.
I don’t know about those doors. Let’s give them a miss today. If I feel up to it, I might check one by myself, but I’m not sure. I’ll keep my options about the doors open. Make up my mind when I’m ready. I’m going to be out most of the day anyhow, painting. It’s a good day for it. See you at dinner.
This opened a floodgate of past messages from her and from Zelda. Melissa had forgotten that bit of school. Where they’d arrange to meet and then a note would come to her saying, “We can’t wait”, or “Sunday lunch is cancelled—sorry”. That day in Rob
