Karin felt a burning shame like a sharp pain in her chest, as if someone had pushed a hot nail into her heart, and she went to sit on a blanket on the other side of the room. She didn’t know how long she’d been there, staring at the cold concrete between her legs, when she sensed someone sit beside her.

‘I’m sorry I shouted.’ Becky put an arm around her. ‘I didn’t mean it, it’s just, Simon’s not well, we’re all scared and hungry and tired.’ Karin heard a quiver in Becky’s voice. ‘I’m trying to do my best, but it’s so hard.’

Karin had upset Becky, when what her friend needed more than anything right now was her unconditional love, and it made her feel wretched.

‘I’m sorry,’ she muttered. ‘I’m useless.’

‘Oh, darling,’ Becky said. ‘You’re not useless.’

‘I am.’

Becky pressed her forehead against hers. Karin closed her eyes, drinking in the moment.

‘You’re not.’ She felt Becky’s warm breath on her face. ‘You’re an amazing person, Karin, you’ve just got to believe it. I’m scared, too, but I’ve got to get us all through this.’ She laughed bitterly. ‘Why does it always have to be me. It’s like at that party when Tanya was sick all over the sofa, guess who had to clear it up!’

Karin’s stomach clenched. ‘Tell me what you want me to do.’

‘When the time comes, you’ll know what to do. We’re going to get us all out of here, Karin. We will, somehow, me and you, okay?’

Karin reached for her hand. ‘I’m going to get you out.’

‘I know you will, my darling.’ Becky kissed her. ‘You’re already helping me by being here.’

Karin swallowed. ‘What party?’

‘What?’

Karin searched Becky’s face, looking for reassurance. ‘What party was Tanya sick at?’

Becky smiled. ‘You know, Julie’s sleepover.’

‘Julie had a sleepover?’ asked Karin.

‘Yes.’ Becky looked embarrassed. ‘I forgot you weren’t there. I only went because I thought you’d be going!’

Karin knew Julie liked Becky, and sometimes she’d find them sitting together in the canteen. When she approached the table, Julie would make a face at Becky, like, what does she want? Karin knew she’d never be invited to one of Julie’s stupid sleepovers, or anywhere else, because she didn’t fit in with those girls, the ones who thought they were cool and who looked down their noses at everyone else. She didn’t mind Becky going to the party, of course she didn’t, but she didn’t understand why Becky hadn’t told her.

‘No,’ said Karin. ‘I didn’t know about it.’