It’s a three-hour drive to Nan and Grandpa Stephano’s, and because it’s a weekday, dad phoned the school to say both Ru and I were ill. Mum disapproved, saying it would be better to visit Ru’s parent’s graves at the weekend, but dad was adamant we should go as soon as possible for Ru to get some closure.
She tried changing his mind, but by that time, he’d already phoned Nan and Grandpa Stephano and told them we were coming. Then he set about arranging enough food and water for the animals so they’d be comfortable for the rest of the day, not listening to another word she had to say about it.
I’m exhausted, falling asleep with my head nodding against the back window of the car, and I only wake up after Ru shakes me roughly on the shoulders. I hear the crunch of the car wheels on gravel, a
