Robbie lay back on the bed, rested his head on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling.

‘I want out, Maeve,’ he said. ‘I’ve always wanted to get away from here. I’ve never liked it and I never meant to stay. The thing is, not many of them here are fighters. When Justin and Brooke and the rest of them tipped up on that lorry of theirs I was amazed they’d made it this far. Just nerds and wimps and little kids. I only ever meant to stay here till I had a proper plan, enough food and water and that. But I stayed on because they needed me. I had no choice. I never wanted to be needed. Never wanted to be wanted. Never really wanted to be in charge of security neither. But there was no one else, see? Least I didn’t think there was.

‘I don’t like it, Maeve. I don’t like being responsible. In charge. Oh, it made me feel good, I guess. Made me feel big. And once I was in charge of security I didn’t want no one else to do it. All along, all I’ve ever thought about, though, is getting out into the countryside, like you. It’s what I dream about. I grew up in the country, only moved to London a couple of years back when my dad got a new job. I was out in Essex. I miss it. I never liked all these houses and buildings. It’s cramped.’

He sat up suddenly. ‘You and me, Maeve,’ he said. ‘We can do it. We can get away from here. I been lying here in bed and when I close my eyes I picture fields and sky and trees. We can grow things. My mum used to grow stuff. I helped her now and then. I know about that sort of thing. And your lot getting here – it’s taken a load off of me. Blue and Maxie and Achilleus and the rest can look after this place better than I ever could. They’re some well hard dudes. Way better than me. I think it can be safe here. Properly safe. And now Einstein’s got all his medical supplies and stuff. Finally I can get out, Maeve. I can go free.’

‘Yeah, Robbie, but that doesn’t change how you are, does it? You wouldn’t get a hundred metres like that.’

‘It’s getting better every day, Maeve. You fixed me. I owe you.’

‘You don’t owe me anything, stupid.’ Maeve took hold of Robbie’s hand.

‘I was hoping you’d do that,’ he said.

‘Do what?’

‘Hold my hand. Next thing I want is a snog.’