5 Chapter 5

Once I’d opened my packet of sandwiches, I saw that one of them contained cucumber. I set that sandwich aside.

“What’s up with that one?”

“Can’t stand cucumber,” I told him.

“Swap you for this ham and pickle.”

We made the exchange. As we ate, I couldn’t help mulling over what Cory had said about him having to go into care, his mother unable to look after him and no one wanting to adopt him. Over what Cory had said about his childhood. It had to have been really tough. I couldn’t relate to what he must have gone through. Em and I were close with our parents—well, me more than Em. We also had each other. We also had a home where we felt safe and loved.

“What?” Cory asked.

“I, uh…” I shook my head. “Sorry, I was thinking about things that are none of my business.”

Cory raised a blond eyebrow.

I felt uncomfortable at the continued silence. “I, uh, your mum, why couldn’t she look after you? Sorry, like I said, it’s none of my business.” What made me ask such personal questions?