Rhi nods like she’s come to a decision and in the gentlest voice says, ‘Tace, listen. They were some bad nightmares and I know you’re worried about Laney. So am I. But I think they’re probably just dreams. And maybe when you threw the punch in your dreams you hit the floor or something, and the pain from that is what woke you up.’

Before I’d calmed down I might’ve fought her on it, but the longer the silence went on the stupider I feel. Pushing aside that increasing weight that has taken up residence down in my guts, I listen to her very reasonable argument. Hell, I want her to be right because that means Laney isn’t in that place and maybe she is fine.

‘Okay, I’m sorry I scared you.’

She rubs her hand roughly over my head and smiles. ‘It’s okay, cuz. But … are you okay?’

The blessed sound of Uncle Joe’s car rolling up saves me from answering. We rush to pack up the first-aid kit.

I hear Mum come in but she walks straight to her room. Rhi and I stand in silence, looking at each other. The tension is awful. Uncle Joe walks through the kitchen doorway looking like he’s aged ten years. His slight head shake is all we need and suddenly no one wants to make eye contact.

‘Your mum’s got a bad headache, niece, she gone straight to bed. Maybe leave her to it.’

‘Mmm. Want a cuppa, Uncle?’

‘Nah bub, I need to go get some sleep. All this night drivin really does the old eyes in.’

It was the first time I’ve heard an uncle admit to ageing. It is kind of frightening, although I’m not sure why.

‘Hey Unk, can I get a lift?’ Rhi asks.

‘Sure thing.’ Uncle Joe finally looks at me. ‘You be right on your own?’

‘Yeah, totally.’ My voice is a bit too bright to be real, but we’re all pretending things are fine, so they can just give me this one.

Uncle Joe nods. ‘Alright then, let’s go. Tell your mother I’ll see her tomorrow morning, first thing.’

Rhi finally realises I am going to be on my own and hesitates. Uncle isn’t a patient man and won’t wait for her to make her mind up. He drags Rhi out with him.

‘I gotta go let Mum know I’m back, but I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?’ she calls.

After they leave the panic from the dream creeps back in, leaking from the ceiling and dripping down the walls. I finish cleaning up the first-aid stuff, practising deep breaths all the way, trying to ignore the drips rolling across the floor, heading for my feet.