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‘But I was home too late?’

‘Yes.’ She nodded into his chest.

‘Why, mum?’

‘Why what, lovie?’

‘Why did you tell Dad I was with Owen?’

‘Oh,’ flustered, Sally pulled away from him. ‘I thought it best,’ she said. ‘I didn’t want him spoiling things for you with your new girl.’

‘Thanks Mum.’

George stood patiently as his mother ran her fingers through his hair, waiting for her to sigh and murmur, my little Steiff Bear, something she said often, an embarrassment he was well used to. Instead, her worried eyes rest on his face and she said, ‘This girl, she’s important to you, isn’t she?’

‘Yes, she is. How did you know?’

‘The jungle drums.’