I check my phone to see if I have any messages before the trip. Mrs C Eckler said we’re allowed to bring our phones but they might not work in 2048. We’ll be allocated Chronophones when we arrive. They can send messages across time: past, present and future. I haven’t had any more messages since the Predictive. I look at the message for one last time, then delete it. It’s in my mind with all the details: Sent Tue 3 Mar 2048. 23:00. As soon as I’ve deleted it I regret it, but I’m scared that if a grown-up finds my phone I’ll get into trouble. It’s not lying but you might call it destroying the evidence.

Even if something’s deleted, it still happened.

Grandma’s shuffling around in the bedroom. She always wakes up early to pray and I know she wants to pray with me before I go. She made white moi-moi for me to have for breakfast and take on the trip. Moi-moi is made from black-eyed beans, but when you soak them the skin comes off, so only the white beans are ground up. It’s usually orange when cooked because you add stew made of pureed onions and tomatoes but, for me, Grandma just put onions and seasoning in it. It’s not white; it’s grey, but still colourless and yummy.

My suitcase is so heavy I can hardly lift it off the floor, but Mrs C Eckler will help me carry it. It’s heavy because I’ve taken some yams. I don’t think they’ll have yams in 2048 and I eat yam every day so want to have enough. Mrs C Eckler said I was allowed to take some of my favourite foods because of my sensory issues. Big Ben will be pleased because his favourite food is spicy, so I said I would make him some pepper soup.

Grandma has reached the section of the prayer where she asks for my safe transport when my phone buzzes and I realise Mrs C Eckler has arrived. Grandma’s eyes are closed so I have to interrupt.

‘Grandma, Mrs C Eckler is here.’

She talks over me until she finishes the prayer with the words, ‘Elle, answer the door!’

I obey. I didn’t know she heard me. Maybe I didn’t say it out loud, only in my head. I haven’t spoken aloud for two days. I tiptoe downstairs, as we mustn’t wake the other tenants this early. Mrs C Eckler is with her husband, who’s coming on the trip to help. He’s a Leapling as well. Leaplings often marry each other because it makes it easier to go on holiday together. I don’t know whether to call him Mr Eckler or Mr C Eckler. I decide not to speak to him directly.