I wrapped up in thick leggings, trainers instead of boots, just in case I had to run, and a heavy coat. It was sunny, but the wind had a chill. I added extra layers, knowing I would probably get cold quite quickly. I pulled my cap down low on my head as I made my way towards the park, covering as much of my hair as possible. It was so bright it might attract attention and that wasn’t the plan. How I looked was unimportant. As long as I was unrecognisable, I didn’t care. He hadn’t seen much of me. Not of my face, I was sure.

I arrived at the park, a mounting feeling of trepidation as I sat on a bench and watched the pre-school children and their parents in the playground. Squeals of delight rang out as they whizzed down the slides. It was reasonably busy, people making the most of the sunshine even though the temperature was only twelve degrees. All too soon it would be too cold for days spent in the park.

I strained my eyes to catch the faces of men in the vicinity. Only a handful came past whilst I was there. Two dog walkers, a jogger and one clutching his briefcase as he scurried along. None were him.

It was a needle in a haystack; I didn’t even know if he lived or worked in the area. For all I knew, he could have walked or driven a couple of miles before chancing on me. But the park was all I had to go on. It occurred to me the best time to come back would be on a Sunday morning. It was a weekend when he was here, not during the week. Would he come back though? It would be stupid of him, an unnecessary risk, especially with the incident boards still out. But what choice did I have? If I left it up to the police then another girl would have to go through the pain and humiliation I felt. They wanted to wait until he struck again, hoping he’d make a mistake, but I couldn’t let that happen.

I stayed a couple of hours, but my stomach was churning, and I needed food. Of all the things I’d brought in my small rucksack, snacks weren’t among them. Next time, I’d know better.

Ben was up when I returned. I nearly bumped into him as he left the bathroom, he was fresh out of the shower, wearing only his towel. My face turned scarlet, confronted with his naked torso. Water droplets cascading down his chest. He apologised, before whisking past me into his room, his ears turning pink.

‘Want to come spar with me later?’ I called after him.

‘Maybe,’ he called back as the door closed.