A girl called Freya is at a family friend's house. While the other adults are in the garden, the friend's grown-up brother gives Freya extra sweets and lets her play a game she's not allowed at home, then says with a wink, "Let's keep this our little secret — don't tell your mum, she'll only worry." It seems small and even kind — sweets, a game, a wink. But something about "don't tell your mum" sits oddly with Freya. It's not a surprise party or a birthday present being hidden. It's an adult asking a child to keep something from her parents. Freya isn't sure if she's making a big deal out of nothing, or if this is exactly the kind of thing she's supposed to notice.