Can you sense them at all? The clouds that are gathering? It is the shadow that falls ahead of a tragedy. And it’s drawing over this town right now.

Why can’t I just talk to you? Why can’t we speak directly, work together? Why do we have to rely on these flaky go-betweens? Why does this have to be so hard?

Just one minute to talk with you. Is that really so much to ask?

It’s down to five days now, the time I can see in front of me. These fields of time were stretched out for a month ahead of me when this began, but are shortened to under a week now. How long before I lose all foresight, before I just have the now? Before I become useless to you? I have no clue.

But while I can still see what’s coming up, I’ll do everything in my power for you and those around you. Keep on trusting me, that’s all I ask.

Because if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll work out exactly what’s coming. I’ll work out how this ends, and how to stop it.

And then I will need you.

What Develops

‘In use?’ April says, staring at the sign beside the darkroom door. ‘This early in the morning? How can it possibly be in use?’

‘Wasn’t that Calloway’s Kombi van in the car park?’ Will says.

‘Figured she was asleep in it.’

‘She doesn’t actually live in the van.’

‘Sure she does. Her and her wife. Everyone says so.’

‘I think it’s one of those urban myths.’

‘Ever been to her house, Will? Ever even seen it? Haven’t, have you?’

‘Well …’

April’s grinning now. ‘She’s an ageing hippy who lives in a van and has lots of lovely lesbian sex on a fold-out bunk bed. Playground always knows best.’

‘Yeah, you’re right. Reckon she’s off her tits on LSD?’

‘Literally twenty-four/seven.’

‘You know she started a meditation club last year to help everyone with their exam stress?’ Will says.

‘Is that another joke?’

‘Straight up.’

‘Actually, that’s probably a really great idea.’

‘Didn’t catch on.’

‘Shame.’

‘Miss!’ Will says, leaping backwards as the darkroom door opens.

Ms Calloway holds a hand to her chest. ‘God on a go-kart! Thought I was imagining things again!’

April raises her eyebrows at Will. ‘LSD,’ she mouths.

‘What on earth are you two doing here?’

‘Film to process,’ April says.

‘Right!’ Ms Calloway says. ‘What else …’ With her hair all over the place and her eyes bleary from a stint in darkness, she looks even more like someone who’s been up all night than Will and April do. ‘Fine. Yes. I’ll just collect –’

‘Finish what you’re doing, Miss,’ Will says. ‘We can come back. No hurry.’