A group of little kids had adopted Godzilla. Monkey Boy, Ella, and Blu-Tack Bill. It gave them something to think about other than themselves, and stopped them from worrying too much. They took turns carrying him and they fussed over him like a little baby. They had some cans of dog food and fed it to him with a spoon.

It was Blu-Tack Bill’s turn to hold Godzilla, and in his mind he spoke to him, and he imagined the dog’s replies so vividly it was as if they were having a real conversation.

You’re like me, Godzilla. You can’t talk.

Doesn’t mean I’m stupid.

Me neither. Talking don’t make anything better. Maybe I should bark like a dog.

I don’t think you should; people will think you’re weird.

They already do. But I don’t care. I’m never going to talk again.

The grown-ups don’t talk anymore.

No. But you know what, Godzilla? They are stupid.

Will you really never talk again?

I think so. I’m happy like this. I’m safe. If nobody can hear your thoughts, they can’t hurt you. You’re the only one who knows me, Godzilla. And I’m the only one who knows you. We’ll always be friends, won’t we?

Yeah. Do you like any of the new kids?

I like Maxie, she’s nice. And Maeve is kind. But Achilleus scares me.

Are you looking forward to getting to the palace?

Yeah. I’ve never been to a palace before. In fact, I’ve never left Holloway before. I wish I’d come here before everything went wrong.

“Can I hold him?”

Bill looked up. Ella was talking to him. He held Godzilla tighter. It wasn’t her turn yet. He’d only had him a little while.

“Let her hold him,” said Monkey Boy. “She’s getting upset thinking about her brother again.”

Bill held Godzilla even tighter. The dog squirmed in his arms and whimpered. Bill loosened his grip a little.

Don’t worry. You can still talk to me if she’s carrying me.

Bill shook his head.

Whitney came over. She was only thirteen, but to the small kids she was as big and imposing as an adult.

“What’s the matter?” she said.

“Ella wants to hold the puppy,” said Monkey Boy, “because she’s sad thinking about her brother, but it’s Bill’s turn.”

“What about Bill? Does he mind? Do you mind, Bill?”

Bill shook his head. He wasn’t going to let go. Even if he was a little bit scared of Whitney.

“Come on.” Whitney picked Ella up and put her on her shoulders. “When Bill’s had his turn, you can carry the dog. It’ll be something to look forward to, yeah?”