‘So, where’s our home then?’

That’s a very good question, thought Sarah. She knew she had to find somewhere for them to sleep but with no family, friends or money she felt at a complete loss.

‘Please, Sarah, my feet hurt, let’s go home,’ Tommy whined, and began coughing.

It sounded chesty again, and Sarah knew she had to find them somewhere to rest. ‘Here, sit on this wall a minute while I get me thinking cap on,’ she said, trying to sound cheery, though really she felt in utter despair. She lifted the boy and placed him on a garden wall.

‘I’m cold …’ Tommy moaned again.

‘I know you are, love,’ Sarah said, then wrapped her arms around her brother.

Then it came to her. Mr Sayers’ shed! It had been four years since she had been there, and she hoped the old couple still owned the house. If they did, the back gate might still be unlocked and so would the shed. It wasn’t ideal, but it would do for tonight. At least they would have some shelter. ‘Come on, little man, we’re going on an adventure!’ she said with a renewed vigour.

‘What adventure?’ Tommy asked, not showing quite the same enthusiasm as his sister.

‘We’re going to find a secret hut, and maybe, if we’re as quiet as mice, we may find some treasure in there!’

Tommy’s eyes lit up and he jumped from the wall. ‘What treasure, Sarah? Where’s the secret hut? Have pirates been in the hut? Is it Captain Hook’s treasure?’

Sarah chuckled. Peter Pan was Tommy’s favourite story. ‘I don’t know, we’ll have to find out for ourselves, but remember what I said – we have to be very, very quiet.’

Tommy nodded, and they set off for Mr Sayers’ old shed.

Half an hour later, Sarah was pleased to find the back gate unlocked and, as she looked up the garden path, she was relieved to see the house in darkness. She turned to Tommy and placed a finger over her lips. ‘Shush,’ she whispered.

Tommy clung on to Sarah’s skirt, almost hiding behind her. With trepidation, they crept through the gate and up to the shed. Sarah pulled on the door. Thank goodness, she thought as the door creakily opened. She shot a look over her shoulder. There wasn’t any sign of movement from the house, so she quickly pulled Tommy inside with her, then gritted her teeth at the sound of the door creaking again as she closed it. She just had to hope the noise hadn’t disturbed anyone.

‘I don’t like it in here … it’s dark, Sarah,’ Tommy said.

‘It’s all right, look,’ she replied, and then pulled back a piece of gingham material that was stretched on a curtain wire over a small window.

Once the curtain was open, half of the shed was illuminated with moonlight.