She sounds like Grandma. I know Ama’s being kind but I just can’t swallow anything. My stomach’s gurgling with hunger but I’m not going to eat. Ama shrugs her shoulders and says something about giving them to Eve. Everything about this day is wrong. I’ve been looking forward to baking bread ever since I saw Season in the film and now it isn’t going to happen.

As if he can read my mind, Le Temps bashes a spoon on a cup and everyone goes quiet, even Jake.

‘You will know by now, Season is unwell today so I’m standing in with some assistance. We’re low-staffed today.’ He nods at Mange-Tout, who smiles the metallic smile, and I remember the announcement that our teachers are spending the day with Millennia on Missing Leapling Alert. MC2 has the day off but he’s working secret solo to find Noon. Maybe Mange-Tout is allowed on the premises to help because you have to have at least two members of staff. That’s the rule.

‘However, we shall still bake bread. Not in The Beanstalk kitchen but outside.’

There are a few cheers. Even I’m happy to go outside. It’s warm and sunny now the fog has lifted, the first day it hasn’t rained. Le Temps asks us to go back to our chalets to pack our raincoats in case the weather turns. And our Chronophones. We should reassemble in the café at 9 a.m.

Back in the café, Le Temps announces the second Oops.

‘Terribly sorry,’ he says, ‘but you have to hand in your Chronophones. Millennia’s orders.’ His mouth turns up at the edges but I don’t think he’s smiling. There’s some chatting and one or two pupils swear, so I can’t repeat what they say but I understand they’re angry about the Oops. Most of the pupils hand in their phones. I hand in my Chronophone but I know my TwentyTwenty is safe in my bag. Le Temps doesn’t know about that. Big Ben and Ama just look at him.

‘Why? It’s our right to have protection,’ says Ama. Her mouth is a dash – and she gives him the bull’s-eye.

‘Exactly, young lady. There’s been a report of cyberbullying so we have to monitor your phones for your PROTECTION.’

‘I left mine in the chalet,’ says Ama.

I don’t believe her but say nothing in case I say the wrong thing and Ama gets angry with me again.

‘Then I suggest you go back to the chalet for it.’