‘Right, let’s get you two back.’ Karim’s dad comes out, jingling his car keys. ‘Can’t have you running around Straybridge with a potentially dangerous creature on the loose.’

We drop Kat off first, and she gives my hand one last squeeze before she gets out of the car. Karim’s dad goes with her to her front door and has a quick chat to her mum, and then we’re driving up the road to my house.

I feel sick as we get out of the car, and even sicker as we cross the drive. I want to run. Back to Kat’s or Karim’s, or anywhere really. I could tell Mum I’m grabbing my portable CPAP and going 136 for a sleepover. But she’d suspect, I know she would.

She opens the front door before Karim’s dad has even taken his finger from the bell button, and stands there like the villain in a horror movie, silhouetted against the light, and with heat blasting out from behind her.

‘Hi Lorna,’ Karim’s dad says. ‘I thought you might like this one bringing back,’ he smiles and puts his hand on my shoulder.

‘Thank you, I was getting very worried,’ she says, slowly and carefully, like it’s a speech she’s been practising. ‘Where on earth have you been, Lance?’

‘He and Karim were at Katja’s house, and then they all went for a walk. Unfortunately, Karim forgot to eat, and became unwell, so Lance and Katja helped him home.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that Karim is ill,’ Mum says. ‘There’s nothing worse than having a body that fails you.’

There really is, Mum, I think, looking at the stranger in front of me. My actual mum always says that she’s proud of how her body keeps going, even though some parts of it don’t work properly.

137 ‘He’s eating and resting at home, so he’ll feel better soon. I’m very grateful to your Lance for taking care of him.’ Karim’s dad smiles.

‘Lance is always trying to be a hero.’ Mum looks at me tfhrough cold eyes.

‘I expect he needs some food and rest, too,’ Karim’s dad says. ‘I’d better get back to Karim. Nadia’s still at work, and I’d rather not leave him alone for too long.’

‘Of course she is – she has lots to do, I’m sure.’

They’re probably communicating right now. I wish I could know what they’re saying.

‘Thanks for the lift,’ I say, stepping into the freaking ridiculously hot house.

‘You’re welcome, Lance. See you soon. Take care, Lorna.’

And then he’s gone, and it’s just me and the thing that used to be my mum.

12

Playing the Game

‘Come through to the kitchen when you’ve taken your coat off,’ Mum says. ‘You need to eat.’