I nod my head though I really don’t want a cup of tea. I’m so tired. I slip off my shoes and climb on to the bed, my eyes suddenly heavy with sleep. In the background I can hear Amanda filling the kettle. I close my eyes. I see Elspeth paddling in the sea at Whitstable. Sean is holding her above the water and she’s kicking her little feet. The water splashes in Sean’s face and he looks over at me and laughs. I am sitting on the beach, watching them. They look so happy. But then I see it. The huge wave. It’s coming up behind them. I jump to my feet and throw my arms in the air. ‘Sean,’ I cry. ‘Look behind you.’ But they can’t hear me. I start to run but the shingle slows me down. The wave is getting higher. It’s almost upon them. I scream Elspeth’s name and at the very last minute, just before the wave consumes them, she looks back.

I wake with a start. Amanda is standing by the side of the bed holding a mug with faded flowers on the front.

‘Here’s your tea, love,’ she says gently. ‘I’ll pop it here on the side table then I’ll leave you to get some rest. I’ve popped some basics in the cupboard for you if you’re hungry later. Then I’ll be back tomorrow with your carer and we can discuss what’s next.’

She walks towards the door and I suddenly feel afraid.

‘You promise you’ll come back tomorrow?’ I say, sitting up. ‘You won’t leave me here?’

‘Maggie,’ says Amanda soothingly, ‘I told you. We are all here for you. We’re going to help you get through this. I promise.’

She closes the door behind her and I curl on my side, tucking my knees into my chest. Upstairs someone slams a door and I hear Hutchinson talking to Amanda in the corridor outside. I put my hands over my ears to drown out his voice then close my eyes, willing myself to sleep. But all I can see is that giant wave enveloping Elspeth’s tiny body.

It’s no use. I have to do something, I tell myself, as I throw the covers back. I can’t just lie here. I need to start looking for Sean.

12