The others, weak and starved, were asleep; everyone slept as much as possible now. They had been trapped in this room for nearly two weeks and those early nights when they had struggled to rest under the constant glare of the bare bulb had long ago given way to exhaustion. It meant Karin was able to enjoy Becky’s companionship. Her friend was awake beside her, and needed her.

‘I’ll always remember how brave you’ve been,’ Becky said. ‘I’ll never forget.’

Karin’s heart felt like it was going to burst with happiness, and she pressed closer. Becky’s unconditional love was all she had ever wanted. She so desperately wanted her friend to have a glimmer of hope, and heard herself say, ‘I think I know how we can escape.’

‘How?’

‘I know where he keeps his keys, and I can get them, I’m sure I can.’

‘When?’

‘I’ll get them tonight.’

‘I know you will.’ Becky laid her head on her chest. Karin stroked her long hair, running her fingers through all the kinks and knots.

She heard the soft exhalations of the others curled on the floor. Karin was desperate to stay awake to enjoy Becky’s company till morning, but she was shattered, and her body flattened against the hard concrete, her eyelids grew heavy. Holding her closer, Becky stretched her arm over her waist.

Karin barely felt Becky’s fingers touch the keys in her pocket.

‘What’s this?’ she asked.

‘What’s what?’ asked Karin groggily.

Becky sat up and shoved her hand into Karin’s pocket and took out the keys. ‘What are these?’

Still drifting up from the edge of sleep, Karin struggled to think of a reason they should be there.

Becky dug her fingernails into Karin’s arm. ‘How long have you had these keys?’

‘Ouch, you’re hurting me!’

‘How long?’

‘Since today,’ said Karin quickly. ‘I was going to tell everyone, I swear! I wanted to wait till I had had a little sleep!’

‘Why would you do that?’ Becky stared in incomprehension. ‘Why didn’t you tell us? Were you even going to say anything?’

Becky climbed to her feet, as the others stirred.

‘Please, Becky,’ whispered Karin. ‘Let me ex—’

‘You lying cow!’ Becky jangled the keys. ‘How could you do such a thing? How could you be so fucking weird? We could be out of here already! We could be home!’ She went around waking everyone up. ‘We’ve got keys, and we’re getting out of here right now!’

‘How?’ asked Michelle.

‘What?’ Paul rubbed his eyes with his knuckles.

‘I’ll tell you after. Let’s just get out!’

When they tried to wake Simon, he was insensible. ‘We’ll have to carry him.’

‘He’s too heavy!’ said Paul.