A tap comes from directly underneath my feet and I leap away from the table, knocking my cup and spilling tea everywhere. The cup bounces and rolls on the lino as I step backwards. The tapping follows my steps so I stop. Waiting.

One giant thump comes from directly under me. I gasp and jump onto my chair. Soft scraping noises sound, like sharp nails on wood, swirling outwards to where the others sit, like they’re searching for me. I burst into tears. Cupping my face I drop to the ground and run to my room, pretending I don’t hear the tapping chase after me through the house. I lock both doors and throw myself on the bed. I thrust my head into the pillow, trying to muffle my wails. When the storm is over, I lie face first in my own tears and listen. There are no more sounds.

A soft knock comes from the door and I nearly jump out of my skin. ‘Tace, it’s me,’ Rhi murmurs.

I get up to grab some tissues and let her in. Locking the door behind her I sit and clean up all the snot and salt water I’ve gotten everywhere.

‘You okay?’

‘What’s happenin?’ I ask between blowing my nose.

‘Everyone’s stayin ere. Sposed to be for protection but I think we’re all just too scared to leave.’ She tries to smile but it looks horrible so she stops. ‘Nuthin else happened after you left. May said they were tryin to scare you out of the house.’

I flinch.

‘Aunty’s got mattresses and fans set up for the Millers.’ She shakes her head. ‘Never thought I’d see the day. Sam called his mob and told em they’re campin out the river.’ She leans forwards and whispers, ‘Aunty won’t leave me alone with him.’

This time the grin is real and I give a lame giggle. ‘You’re cracked.’

She winks at me and jumps on the other side of the bed. ‘I’m crashin with you tonight, cuz, to “take care of you”.’ She does the air quotes and I laugh more naturally this time, lying down beside her.

‘And if it means ya can’t sneak off for some alone time with Sam?’

‘I know, so obvious right?’ She moves to her side and props herself up on her elbow, looming over me. ‘Adults are so stupid. It’s not me he was watchin on the drive home.’

I roll my eyes. ‘What. Ever.’

‘Come on, Tace, the guy saved you. Again! You’ve got the perfect excuse to call him your hero.’ She bats her eyelashes and giggles.

Instead of distracting me she’s reminded me of the danger. I sober up. ‘What are we gonna do, Rhi?’

My flighty, bubbly cousin looks at me straight. ‘We go to sleep. And wait for daylight. Then we get your twin back.’