Anna rolled over and Adele could tell by her sluggishness that she was reluctant to face her. Straight away Adele noticed that Anna’s face was blotchy and tear-stained.

‘What’s happened?’ asked Adele.

‘Nothing,’ said Anna, running her finger across the swallow tattoo on her cheekbone as she wiped away a stray tear. Her other hand was still closed around the item she was concealing.

‘But you’ve been crying,’ said Adele.

‘No, I haven’t. I’ve just got a bit of a cold. That’s all.’

Adele wasn’t convinced, ‘Come on, Anna. Out with it,’ she said.

‘I’ve told you… I’m alright,’ Anna bit back, turning round to face the wall again.

‘What’s that in your hand?’ asked Adele. ‘I hope it isn’t drugs.’

‘No, it’s nothing,’ Anna snapped.

Adele sighed, knowing there was no way she’d stop Anna from taking drugs even though she didn’t approve. Like most of the women in here, Anna was an addict, and she depended on a regular supply of drugs to get her through the day.

‘Shazza can’t keep taking things from you. You’ve got to tell her no!’ said Adele.

Anna didn’t reply at first but Adele could hear her stifle a sob. Then Anna asked, ‘How did you go on, anyway?’

‘Two weeks’ loss of canteen.’

‘Not bad considering.’

‘That’s what I thought. It’s gonna kill me going without chocolate for a fortnight, though, and I’m running out of toiletries.’

‘Don’t worry, you can borrow some of mine.’

‘Thanks, Anna,’ said Adele.

As Adele thought about the way Shazza had been treating Anna, she decided to try tackling her again. ‘Y’know, Anna, you don’t have to keep giving Shazza your things. If you stand up to her then she can’t get away with it.’

‘Oh, yeah, and a fat lot of good that did you.’

‘Well… OK. I’ve lost a fortnight’s canteen but it could have been worse.’

‘I don’t mean that,’ said Anna, her tone now timid. Then she whispered, ‘Repercussions.’

‘Oh, I see,’ said Adele, the thought making her shudder. ‘Well, maybe it’s best if we all stick together. Caroline’s already said she’ll stick with me so we could do the same for you.’

Anna turned and looked at her again. ‘Yeah, if you want,’ she said. ‘Might not help, though.’

Then Anna turned away once more. It was obvious to Adele that she was frightened. Her sentences were clipped, her facial muscles taut, and she lay on the bed in a foetal position.