After Deirdre’s wounds were dressed, Madame Brighthall kept her company for a while.

Deirdre lay on the bed after Madame Brighthall left, yet she was having difficulty falling asleep.

She dreamt of her mother sitting cross-legged under the apricot tree and waving to her when she finally fell asleep. Her smile was just as kind and gentle as before. “You’re late. Put down your school bag quickly. I don’t want my precious daughter to be tired.”

She ran forward with tears down her face, yet the