"What's happening?" Hannah demanded.
Her mum looked back at her. "Now listen carefully, Hannah, and don't go into a tantrum. It really wasn't right for the family to be separated for so long and it is tragic that your dad had to die first so that you would meet his family."
"I know. That's why we came here first."
"Oh, Hannah, you know that even though I love you very much, I have always thought it was a mistake for me to have a child so early in my life. You know that I have tried to be a good mother."
In Hannah's head, she interrupted her mother by saying she did a dismal job at trying.
"I know I have not been the best mother."
There were tears burning the rims of Hannah's eyes now. She had an awful feeling of trepidation. "We'll be all right. I'll stop complaining."
"Oh, I know Hannah, but first you have to let me go so I can try and make everything better for us."
Hannah felt her lungs constrict and she could hardly breathe. Hannah stared at her.
Her mum continued, "So, you know why I have to go on my own? You are still at school and you need stability. For me to make everything better, I have to go and find a better place and it would be easier for me to do it without you."
Resignedly Hannah asked, "So what is going to happen now?"
"Well, here is how everything worked out for us. After your dad died, I phoned your Uncle Paul and your Aunt Jessica. Your aunt suggested you come and live with them while I sort myself out. Do all the things I have always wanted to do, go to college, and then find a great job. Your aunt is very happy to have you and this is a wonderful place to live. You will make so many new and interesting friends too."
"How long?" Hannah asked curtly.
"Just for a little while. I'll call you all the time, and I will come back for you as soon as I have found the perfect place for us." She gestured toward the house. "This will be fine for a while, and you'll be staying with family."
Hannah looked at her forlornly. Her mum leant into her and kissed her on the forehead. "It's not going to be for long, I promise. I just need this chance, and I cannot go out to make it happen if I have to worry about you all the time."
"These people don't know me. Why have I never met them before?"