Desiree pressed the phone tighter to her ear, shifting carefully on the bed until she found a comfortable angle. “Mum, I promise you, I’m fine,” she said softly.

“You’re not fine, Desiree.” Ruby’s voice was already trembling, emotional in a way that made Desiree’s chest tighten. “It’s been months since I last laid my eyes on you. Months. And your father keeps telling me you’re okay, but he won’t tell me anything.”

“That’s because I am fine, Mum.” Desiree tried ...