She sat up, clutching the sheets to her and willing her eyes to focus. She was in her bed at the studio. What could he want? Surely it was still early. She felt as if she’d only just gone to bed.

There was a tap on the window. “Keely!” Euan called more urgently.

“Yes, I’m coming,” she croaked.

Her mouth was as dry as a potato chip. She picked up her watch and peered at the little numbers that swam before her eyes. It wasn’t even seven o’clock.

She stumbled to the door and tugged it open.

Euan stepped forward, a look of concern on his face. “Are you alright? You took so long to answer, I was worried.”

“I’m okay.” Surely he hadn’t come down to wake her up just to ask how she was. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve had a call from Ken at the school. He’s been trying your mobile.”

Keely glanced around, wondering where she’d left it.

“He says he’s frantic for a relief teacher and hoped you could come in.”

She slumped against the doorframe and wrapped her arms around herself. The outside air was chilly and she shivered, but not just from the cold.

Euan was apologetic. “I said yes but I explained you’d had a fall. I said I’d come and check with you and ring back if you couldn’t do it. I thought perhaps those bumps might be a bit sore today.”

She tipped her head forward, letting her hair fall around her face. Her stomach churned. This was it. The demon had caught up with her in peaceful, idyllic Margaret River.

“I don’t know…” She gulped in some air and held her breath.

Euan looked contrite. “I shouldn’t have said yes. You’re not feeling well enough. It’s just that Ken sounded desperate. I think you were his last chance but I’ll call him back and say you can’t do it.”

“Thanks, Euan. I really don’t feel up to it today. If I went in they might end up needing a relief teacher for the relief teacher.” She tried to keep her tone light.”

“Sorry. Can I get you anything?”

“No. I’ll be fine. I think I’ll just go back to bed for a while.”

“I’ve got to go in to the village this morning. Flynn will be around the place. You let him know if you need anything.”

“Thanks.”

Keely closed the door and went to the bedroom to find something warm to pull on over her pyjamas. Back in the kitchen, she put on the kettle and turned on the small heater. She took some long slow breaths. She had been so close to saying yes and returning to the classroom.