‘Thank you, Lord Mayor,’ she says. ‘First of all, I would like to reiterate the mayor’s message that we do not believe the public are at risk. Our scientific advisor, who is well aware of the behaviours of this test subject, has assured us that the creature won’t cause physical harm to people, unless it is attacked. As such, there is no need to panic, or do anything other than to be alert and notify us if you notice anything that might assist us in the search for the test subject. The curfew is a precautionary measure, but nevertheless, an important one. The bells of St Anthony’s church will ring a twenty-minute warning in the afternoon, so that residents can return to their homes. The bells will then ring a 25 second time, which will be a confirmation that everyone in Straybridge must be inside. Anyone caught breaking the curfew will be subject to a penalty fine, or even arrest. More importantly, those who choose to break the curfew will be risking the safety and security of our town, and preventing those working to protect it from doing their jobs. To be clear: when you hear the church bells, you must go home. Once you’re at home, you must stay there until you hear the church bells ring in the morning. If we work together, we are confident that the test subject will be secured in a short time.’

My phone buzzes, and I glance down to see a text from Karim. ‘Told ya, the bunneeeez are coming!’

I text back, ‘Lol, when you hear the chimes of doom, you better run…’

‘Ooh, I think Nadia is going to speak now,’ Mum says. ‘Doesn’t she look beautiful? And after the day she must have had.’

I text Karim again. ‘My mum is crushing on your mum.’

He sends me back the tilted laughing, crying emoji.