Claudie drops her face into her hands with a moan. She’s eighteen and says our circus saved her life. Like, really saved her life. She turned up one night after a show, four years ago, thin, sad-faced and begging to join us. She doesn’t talk about her family except to say that she will never, ever go back to them. Claudie’s kind, freckled face is elastic and she can make you laugh at even the gloomiest moments. On the odd occasion that Mum and Dad go out after the show, Claudie puts me to bed in our van and sings German lullabies in her high, sweet voice. If the circus closes, where will Claudie go?

Peter Potts lifts a hand to silence the angry murmurs. ‘As you well know, Merry, it’s partly your mother’s fault that the circus is now in strife.’

My grandmother’s fault? What’s he talking about? But no-one else seems surprised. In fact, Li Lin is nodding. All I know about my grandmother is that she was stripped of her magic and sent away before I was born.

Mum takes hold of Peter Potts’s arm. ‘Mum’s long gone, Pete. We’ve recovered from all that. Circus is important!’ she says. ‘It’s about bringing joy to people. Did you see the faces of the audience tonight?’

He looks down at her hand on his arm, and his voice becomes almost gentle. ‘A small, rundown circus like this is not the most exciting thing in town anymore, Merry. Your mum knew that. These days you’re a huge show like Circo del Sol or you’re nothing.’

It’s as if they’re having a private conversation. Their eyes meet for a long moment, then he shakes his head and steps back, out of her reach.

Mum’s voice wobbles. ‘Just because you didn’t fit into the circus, Pete, just because you don’t like it anymore, doesn’t mean everyone out there feels the same way. People love our show.’ When she signs ‘love’ she crosses her arms on her chest as if hugging someone close. She looks like she might cry.

‘Well, where were they all tonight, Merry?’ Peter Potts laughs, as if this is actually funny. ‘The tent wasn’t even a tenth full.’ He shakes his head. ‘Sorry, but I have to close you down. It’s costing me money to keep you on the road. Tonight was your last show.’

Gasps and cries ring out and Claudie drops to her knees. A boiling sensation rises up in me, and I burst out. ‘It’s not fair! You have no right to close us down!’

Peter Potts narrows his eyes at me. ‘Who are you?’ he asks coldly. My whole body prickles with fear and I look down. I can’t believe this man is now the boss of my beloved circus.