‘I’m in a theatre group!’ Rawan declares, handing Aminah a flyer.

I peer over at it.

Aminah laughs, looking relieved. ‘This is . . . not what I expected you to say.’

Rawan raises her eyebrows. ‘What did you think I would say?’

Aminah shrugs. ‘That you were moving away or something. Anyway,’ she continues, ‘why is there a question mark next to the location?’

‘Well . . . it’s a secret theatre, so you keep the location hidden.’

‘Why is it a secret?’

Rawan shrugs this time. ‘Because that makes it more magical.’

‘Rawan,’ Aminah says, after inspecting the flyer, ‘this is impressive.’

Rawan beams at her. ‘There are two other girls who are doing it with me, Hana and Ib, and they’re really cool.’

‘You have other friends?’ Aminah puts her hand to her heart, her expression scandalized. ‘How dare you!’

Rawan laughs.

‘So, when can I watch the play?’

‘Well . . .’ Rawan takes a deep breath. ‘Tonight, actually, if you like. When we rehearse.’

Aminah looks serious for a moment. ‘I’ll have to get away from my sister somehow – she’s so nosy – but that should be fine!’

‘There’s more . . .’ Rawan says, twisting her fingers round the bottom of her top. ‘Would you . . . would you want to play the main character, Rapunzel?’ Aminah’s jaw drops. ‘Someone dropped out last minute . . . We’re kind of desperate.’

Aminah frowns.

‘I’m the prince,’ Rawan explains in a rush. ‘So you’ll mainly be acting with me. Pretty please?’

‘Why can’t one of the others do it? I’ve never acted before!’

Rawan sighs. ‘They don’t want to. Come on, it’ll be fun!’

Aminah is thoughtful for some time. ‘I’ll try . . . but I can’t promise anything.’

‘Great!’ Rawan says, overjoyed. ‘Perfect.’

‘On one condition,’ Aminah adds, smirking.

‘Anything,’ Rawan answers solemnly.

‘You bring the snacks next time.’

Rawan and Aminah fall into a contemplative silence as Aminah presents her with flasks of saffron tea and sugar sweets stolen from the kitchen.

‘This could be good actually . . .’ Aminah says, sipping her drink. ‘I need an extracurricular anyway, to apply to schools in England.’

But the words are barely out of her mouth before a great big crash sounds just over the wall by Aminah’s house.

I jump, sand flying everywhere.

‘What was that?’ Rawan frowns.

Aminah runs up to the wall and pulls herself up, peering over it. The slide has toppled to the ground. I glance across the courtyard and see something move out of the corner of my eye, right by the kitchen door. But it’s too fast and by the time I turn to look, it’s gone.

‘It was just the cats,’ Aminah answers, relief evident in her voice.

I follow her eyes. The two cats are sniffing round the slide, looking very guilty.

Aminah and I take our seats back across from Rawan.

The memory starts to fade as the pair discuss their first group rehearsal that very night.