You Don't Even Know (25 page)

I turn so my knees are pressed against Mum's.

“I wasn't trying to kill myself, Mum. I was just stupid. I didn't check the street and I didn't hear the bus over my iPod.”

A sob lurches from her throat. She hugs me tight, so tight my broken ribs ache in protest.

But I don't pull away.

Bruce and Courtney, for encouraging me to do what I love.

Maryann Ballantyne, my amazing publisher and editor, for her faith, encouragement, vision and immeasurable skill. And best of all, friendship.

The Crannies – Karen, Corinne and Bernadette –for laughter, coffee, chocolate (and Liquorice Allsorts), support and encouragement not only in writing but in life.

Doobs and Liz, for friendship, laughs and technical support. Which led me to the incredibly generous Angela Bruschi and Duncan Erwin from Ambulance Victoria. Ambos! What amazing people.

How lucky am I?

First published in 2013
by Black Dog Books
an imprint of Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd
Locked Bag 22, Newtown
NSW 2042 Australia
www.walkerbooks.com.au

This ebook edition published in 2013
The moral right of the author has been asserted.
Text © 2013 Sue Lawson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher.

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry:
Lawson, Sue, 1963– author.
You don't even know / Sue Lawson.
For young adults.
A823.4
ISBN: 978-1-922244-22-2 (ePub)
ISBN: 978-1-922244-21-5 (e-PDF)
ISBN: 978-1-922244-23-9 (.PRC)

Cover image: © Angela Luchianiuc/Shutterstock.com

To Courtney.
For all that you are.
xx