I promise, I signed, drawing a cross over my heart. Still, it’s a nasty situation. I hope they find the boy soon.

There aren’t too many places a teenager can hide in this sort of weather. Max nodded towards the window, through which I could see it had started to snow again. If he’s out there on his own, he’ll be found soon.

But what if he’s not? What if someone has him? I asked.

Max frowned. I don’t know. I’m sorry. He squeezed my shoulder. I’m sure he’ll be okay.

Let’s talk about something else, I told him. I need something to take my mind off it, if I can’t be doing anything useful.

I stayed at Max’s flat for a couple of hours, and by the time I left I felt more relaxed than I had in days. He was such easy company, and it always felt like he knew just what I needed him to say. I didn’t know what the future held for the two of us – I was still wary about long-term commitment, given how my relationship with Mike had turned out – but the present was enjoyable and uncomplicated.

When I arrived home, I found Anna sitting in the living room watching a TV programme about bailiffs.

Want to go out and get something to eat? I asked her.

I’m watching this, she replied, nodding to the TV. I watched it for a moment, then stood between her and the screen.

No, you’re not. Whatever that is, it’s about as entertaining as a poke in the eye.

This brought a slight smile, and she looked down at the old T-shirt she was wearing. I’ll get changed.

Ten minutes later, we wrapped ourselves up in coats and scarves and walked up the road into the village. Technically, we lived in a small town, but it was so small everyone who lived there referred to it as a village. We had a post office, a Co-op, a couple of pubs, a chippy and an excellent chocolatier, as well as an Indian restaurant, which was where Anna and I were headed. We didn’t chat as we walked, which was unusual for Anna, but I realised that there were some things that were fast becoming the new normal, since her accident.

Any news about the missing boy? she asked me once we were seated.

I shook my head. Nothing that I’ve been told. Hopefully he’s safe somewhere, and just ran away.

Anna gave a deep sigh. I waited expectantly for her to sign something but she carried on reading her menu, even though she always ordered the same thing. I had expected her to dig for details, especially seeing as I’d been at her old school, but she seemed disinterested, or perhaps preoccupied.