Prologue

She was so excited. For once in her short life she was going somewhere different, somewhere away from home, on her own, and she was so looking forward to it. So young and yet prepared for anything the ‘verse could throw at her.

“Are you ready yet, dear?” Her mother looked around the door into the bedroom.

“Nearly,” she said, stuffing her nightdress into the case. “Just packing the last of my bits.” She picked up a small teddy bear.

“You can’t take that, sweetheart!”

She grasped the bear to her chest. “Oh, momma, I have to! He’s my bear – I can’t leave him behind! What if I get homesick?”

Her mother came to stand next to the bed, idly picking up a small blouse and folding it carefully. “This is a special place you’re going to. You won’t have time to get homesick – there’ll be so much to do.”

“I know. But I want my things with me. I can take him, can’t I?” She had a hold so tight on her toy that no-one was going to pry it from her fingers.

“Oh, my dear.” Her mother took her into her arms, hugging her close and stroking her long brown hair. “You’re never going to grow up, are you?”

“I will, momma. Just not today.” She smiled.

“No, probably not.” The older woman sighed. “All right, pack him away. Just don’t let anyone else see him.”

“I bet lots of students have their toys with them.” The girl resumed packing – at least, resumed pushing things into her bag until it could hold no more. “I can’t wait.” She was happy and excited. “Is dad going to be home in time?” she asked, closing the case and locking it.

“He’s trying to make it, sweetheart. Don’t be too sad if he can’t,” her mother warned.

“I know he’s busy.” She sat down on the edge of her bed, the edge taken off her happiness. “I just thought … today … I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

“They’ll give you holidays. Of course they will,” her mother assured her. “And you can write. I know your brother would be pleased if you did.”

“He won’t care,” she scoffed, knowing he was too