Mother stood up and turned around, a smile pasted to her thin lips. A smile that did not match the triumphant brightness in her small, dark eyes.

‘Mirabelle! Thank heavens you’re alive!’ She rushed forward and I staggered backwards, putting Dot in between us.

‘Mirabelle? Darling, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to see Mummy?’

Dot turned around, her brow crinkling in confusion and concern. ‘We thought we’d let you sleep a little while longer. Your mother arrived only a few minutes ago. She’s been looking all over for you. She’s told me all about your father, but don’t worry. He’s gone now, isn’t he, Mrs Stone?’ Dot looked at Mother then back at me.

‘Oh yes. That evil man’s gone now. After you ran away, I threatened to call the police and he drove off. You can come home now, Little Doll. You’re safe now.’

Mother stepped forward, reaching out a hand to me. I darted around to the other side of Dot and held Dot’s hand.

Dot looked down at me, a question in her eyes.

‘It’s OK now,’ she said, her eyes flicking from mine to Mother’s. ‘You can go home with your mother now, OK?’

‘She’s not my mother.’

‘What? I don’t understand,’ Dot said.

I looked up at the old lady, meeting her eyes, willing her to believe me. ‘Please make her leave. She’s not my mother. She kidnapped me a long time ago. That’s why I look like this. That’s why I was running away.’

Mother laughed and grabbed my free wrist. ‘What a lot of silly nonsense. Come on, sweetie, you’ve been through a great ordeal. You—’

‘NO!’ I shouted, tearing my wrist out of her grip.

Dot pulled me behind herself. She stared at Mother and said in a low voice, ‘Please, Mrs Stone. The child clearly doesn’t want to come with you. The police will be here shortly. Please leave.’ She opened the living room door, still shielding me with her thin, frail body, and gestured with her head towards the front door.

Mother stepped towards us. ‘I’m not leaving without Mirabelle.’

‘I’m not going with you,’ I said, trying to hide the fear in my voice.

‘Oh yes you are. You are mine. You’re coming with me whether you like it or not.’

She lunged for me, pushing Dot out of the way. Dot stumbled and fell, hitting the ground hard, her hand slipping out of mine. I turned and ran out of the room. Mother grabbed my shoulder and yanked me back, wrapping her arms around my body, holding me to her.

‘Stop being so ridiculous, Mirabelle. We’re leaving.’

I struggled and twisted and turned. She held on tighter, choking the air out of my lungs.

‘STOP IT!’ she screamed.