The Secret Book of Flora Lea

Hazel starts writing her stories down, adding to them each night. In spring, soldiers arrive in town. Harry declares that he will join them when he is older. When Flora sees the soldiers, she thinks her father is among them. Hazel realizes her stories are keeping Flora from facing reality. As Hazel and Harry comfort Flora, they kiss. After the soldiers move on from Binsey, Bridie teaches Hazel and Flora about the natural world. Sometimes Imogene babysits Flora. One day when Hazel and Flora go exploring, they go into Whisperwood and Hazel pretends to be a fairy queen. Flora says that she wants to turn into the river, but Hazel says if she does, she can never come home again. Hazel’s mother arrives for a visit, but she is clearly distraught. She explains that their neighbor’s son was killed in battle. Hazel runs away to Frideswide’s well and starts to believe there’s no real magic. The following night, Hazel sneaks out to sit outside. Harry follows her, and they talk about how the stars make Hazel feel better. They kiss, and Hazel asks if Harry took her sadness away.