Kate could hear her mother come up the stairs. Her mother knew.

She had wanted to hide her tears, because her mother had so much on her mind already. Kate didn't want to add to her worry or sorrow. She'd rather cry silently in her room and pretend all was fine. But she also wanted her mother's comfort, and now that her mother came up the stairs that desire won.

She opened her door. "Oh mam," she sobbed, reaching out for a hug.