‘I have to go.’ I stood and plucked the dog from Aiden’s hands. Z didn’t look happy and I had to hold him firmly to my chest. ‘Did I ever tell you how much I love you, Aiden?’

‘Now you’re getting weird, Ash. What’s going on?’

‘You saved my life and I love you. I loved you when you didn’t save my life.’

‘Ash?’

But I had turned away. I opened the door, head bent, the dog clutched to my chest, the tears starting to flow. Maybe I was aware of my parents sitting on the chairs by the wall, standing as I rushed past. But I don’t think so. I don’t think I was aware of anything. Not the running down the corridor, out through the doors and into the blinding rain. I don’t remember the car sliding up and a door opening. I cannot recall the journey home through the wind and the hail and the lightning flashes breaking the night. I have no recollection of closing my bedroom door, throwing myself on my bed and surrendering myself to despair.

16

16

I don’t remember those things because they didn’t happen. They are what I imagine my mother thought was happening. This is what did.

Aiden lay in a hospital bed. He was reading a book and there were three or four pillows behind his back, keeping him propped up. Hearing the door open, he turned his head and did a double-take when he saw me.

‘Ashleigh! What are you doing here?’

The dog twisted and squirmed in my arms and I had to put him on the floor. There was no choice; he was so excited to see Aiden that there was no holding him. As soon as his paws hit the ground, he scrambled across and jumped on the bed. Aiden laughed and put out his arms, but the dog launched into his face, licking frantically wherever he could find flesh. The dog’s whole body was charged with joy. It took Aiden a moment to settle him down, by which time I’d sat on a chair by the side of the bed.

‘We don’t have much time, Aiden,’ I said. ‘You must listen closely and do exactly what I say. Do you understand?’

He laughed. ‘Not exactly the hug I was expecting under the circumstances, Ash —’

‘Aiden, listen.’ I took his hand in mine. ‘Keep quiet and listen. You will die unless you do exactly what I say. This is not a joke. This is not an exaggeration. You will die.’

He shook his head.

‘Remember the camp, Aiden,’ I said. ‘I didn’t really know what was happening, but you saved me. Now you don’t know what is happening and it’s my turn to save you. Do you trust me, Aiden?’

‘Yeah, of course, but …’