The group splits up and Nico and I head off to grab our coats. It’s really cold again today but not icy and the wind has dropped, so it could be a lot worse.

As we all traipse down the lane leading into the woods, there’s a point at which we start going off in different directions.

‘Have you read this list?’ I ask Nico, trying hard not to frown as I look at the tasks we’ve been given.

‘Yes… it’s a bit outside the box for me, I will admit.’

‘Well, in that case you should go first.’

He looks at me and grimaces as we draw to a halt.

‘Do you trust me not to look?’ he asks.

Task number one is to close your eyes and let someone lead you forward while you talk through what you’re experiencing.

‘Pull your beanie hat down just in case you get tempted,’ I tease.

‘Well, that’s hardly a confidence-building start, considering you’re asking me to put my trust in you.’ He flashes me a cheeky grin and I bat my eyelashes at him in feigned annoyance.

‘Let’s just get on with it, shall we?’

Nico does as he’s told and I push the sheet of paper into my pocket.

‘Ready? Now, I’m going to lead you forward very slowly and you tell me what you’re feeling.’

Standing next to him, I place a hand firmly on his arm and the other around his middle. It’s a bit of a stretch as he’s wearing a padded jacket, but I feel I can steer him safely and off we go.

‘Well?’ I ask, when we’re several steps ahead.

‘It’s strange. I keep thinking I’m going to trip over something.’

‘I won’t let that happen. What else?’

His initial couple of steps were faltering, but he’s beginning to relax now and walk forward more purposefully.

‘I hear an airplane somewhere in the distance. And voices, someone is laughing. I can hear you breathing. Are you nervous?’

‘No. Just making sure I’m doing a good job of making sure you don’t fall over your own feet.’

He stops. ‘It’s your turn.’

As we swap over, he yanks my bobble hat down over my eyes.

‘Hey, I had no intention of cheating, believe me,’ I tell him, firmly.

As he slides his arms around me and we move off, I feel safe. I don’t hesitate to take that first step because I know Nico wouldn’t let anything bad happen to me. He’s already gained my trust, implicitly.

‘Well?’

‘Um… the floor is crunchy beneath my boots. The twigs make it a little uneven and I can hear something moving, it’s very close.’