‘We are going to swap clothes and I am going to get into that bed and pretend to be you. You will take the dog and you will open that door. Keep your head right down. Pretend to be upset, if you can, but whatever you do, don’t stop. Mum and Dad are out there in the corridor. Do not speak to them, no matter what happens. Run as quickly as you can to the outside door. The car will be waiting for you. Get in. It will start to take you home.’ Aiden’s face was full of confusion and questions, but I ignored it. ‘This next bit is very important. I don’t know how long I will be able to pretend to be you, but sooner or later, they’ll know you’re gone. So as soon as possible, use the emergency override stop button in the car, get out and run. Do not go home. Find Xena. Your tablet is in the pocket of my dress. I will call you as soon as I can.’

‘But this is crazy, Ashleigh. You can’t expect me to do all this without any explanation.’

I was already pulling my dress off over my head. I threw the headband onto the bed and kicked off my sandals.

‘You’ll get an explanation. But now, I need you to get out of bed and change clothes with me.’

‘You’re serious.’

‘Deadly. Now hurry up.’

‘But …’

I wanted to shout, but that was impossible. So I grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him.

‘Do it, Aiden,’ I hissed. ‘Do it now.’

And he did. I helped arrange his new clothes and I put the headband on him, sweeping the hair from his face. Then I stepped back and looked him up and down. Obviously, it helped that we are identical twins. What looked back at me was exactly what had looked back at me from the mirror at home. I knew that the way he walked would be different, but no one would be able to pick that up quickly, especially as he would be running. I tugged down on one side of the dress and nodded. Aiden’s eyes were still confused, but there was fear in them also. I didn’t know whether that was because he genuinely believed his life was in danger or whether he thought his sister had gone mad.

‘I haven’t gone loopy yet, Aiden,’ I said, and hugged him close. ‘That’s just the rest of the world.’ I pulled away but held on to his hand. ‘Stay safe, brother. Promise me.’

‘I promise,’ he said.

‘Your face is a promise,’ I said and he laughed but it cracked a little.

I pulled back the bedclothes and got in. They smelled of Aiden. Z gave my hand a nuzzle and then looked from me to my brother and back again. If ever a dog was confused …