‘I want to tell you something…’ said Isabell, oddly sad.

‘Ok… Go ahead.’ Amelia and Olivia said.

‘My mother is... ‘ started Isabell, but then she began crying suddenly.

Amelia and Olivia put an arm around her.

‘M-My m-mother is d-dead,’ said Isabell with tears sliding down her cheeks. ‘My dad sent me a letter a few days ago that confirmed that my m-mother d-died.’

‘What?’ Olivia looked as sad as Isabell.

‘Oh,’ said Amelia, looking sympathetic. ‘But how?’

Amelia tried to look shocked. She did know about the tragic accident after all. Isabell hiccuped and sniffed.

‘C-car crash,’ she said. ‘My mom has always been so bad at driving.’ 

‘It’s ok…’ said Olivia. ‘At least you still have your father.’

‘I-I guess so…’ 

‘I know it’s an awful feeling because I’ve actually experienced it before,’ said Amelia. ‘When my-my uhm- grandmother died, you know.’ 

‘Well, now we know we’ve all experienced it,’ said Isabell, looking a bit happier.

Olivia thought it was quite offensive but she didn’t want to start another fight.

‘Yeah, will you make us come at Christmas or not?’ asked Olivia, who had a sad smile on her face. 

‘Yes please!’ Amelia said cheerfully.

‘Of course! That way I won’t feel lonely without mum!’ 

Isabell turned from a sad person to a happy one.