Chapter 16
Go, her mum mouthed, wiping away tears and tilting her head towards the door.
Are you okay? Annie signed back as subtly as she could.
Her mum shrugged, sighed, and then bravely turned to the concerned faces around her. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you all. I just remembered another gift I’ve had stashed away that I forgot to bring.’ She laughed.
Liar. It was sad that her lie caused her far less guilt than telling the truth would have, and strange that hearing her lie so convincingly made Annie feel so proud of her.
Wishing she knew how to be unobtrusive, Annie rose and walked to the door. Kelly gave her a sad nod, well aware that Harry was upset by something, but kind enough to let her go and find out discreetly.
‘So, Dave,’ Annie heard her mother say, her voice quaver
