Jelly's dad moved away quickly as she came over the fence.
âDad!' she frowned. âHave you been listening?'
âNo,' said her dad, pretending to be insulted. âI was justâ¦on my way to see your nonna. Her light's still on. Do you want to come with me?'
âSure,' Jelly said, leaning into him. âI'd like that.'
âI'm sure Nonna would like that, too.' Her dad dropped his arm over her shoulder and winked. âSo, how'd it go?'
â
Dad
.'
âJust asking.'
Jelly's dad smiled and pulled her into a hug. Then she slipped her hand into his. They wandered through the gathering darkness towards the small square of light.
acknowledgments
For such a small book there are an extraordinary number of people I need to thank. First of all, Penny Hueston for her patience and faith, and Ali Arnold for her incisive editing, done always with the gentlest touch. Chong Wengho for his stunning cover, Susan Miller for the page design, and the whole Text gang for being amazing in everything they do.
Sallie Muirden was one of my first readers, followed by the fabulous Antoni Jach and my wonderful MC2 writers group: Rachel Power, George Dunford, Kathy Kizlos, Tasha Haines, Jacinta Halloran, Meredith Jelbert, Susan Paterson, Anna Dusk, Jane Sullivan, and Kim Kane, in particular, for her excellent feedback.
The seeds of this novel were planted way back, during a residency at Varuna, for which I am extremely grateful. To my fellow Varunians: Steve Axelson, Kate Cole-Adams, Sandy Bigna and Fiona Wood, and of course the archangel of Varuna, Peter Bishop.
Cassandra Austin and Martine Murray are my dearest friends and kindest readers. Andy Griffiths and Markus Zusak keep my chin up when clouds of doubt rumble overhead.
Thanks also to Jan Robertson and the PLC readers, including: Greta, Candice, Alexandra, Naomi, Kirsten, Caitlin and Thy, for their brilliant feedback and beautiful drawings. Special thanks also to Carmel Hyland and the wonderful Merri Creek Primary students who gave up their lunchtimes to hear me read this story aloud.
Last of all, but most importantly: my sisters and mother for reading this by the pool in Penang, my darling Max for reading this in the hammock in our backyard and my beloved Raffaele for holding my hand every step of the way.