‘Don’t have any.’ Maggie took a sterile wipe from the first aid box and like a mum washing a reluctant toddler’s face she started to clean away the blood around Tom’s nose. He snatched the wipe from her and gingerly dabbed at his face.

Christine hovered by the phone looking disappointed. ‘But he’s hurt.’

‘He’s fine,’ said Maggie.

‘I’m fine apparently,’ said Tom, marvelling at the blood-soaked tissues.

‘What about you, Maggie?’ asked Christine, her voice hopeful.

Maggie paused for a moment to scan her body and make an assessment. ‘I’ve bruised my bum and my clothes are soaked but no injuries.’

‘Oh.’ Christine was further deflated. She checked her watch. ‘If we’re not getting the police involved then I should be getting home. Alf will worry where I am.’

‘Yes, I need to get going too,’ said Maggie, realising she’d be walking home now she didn’t have her bus pass.

‘Okay then,’ said Christine, merrily putting everything back in the first aid box.

‘Could I have another copy of the book club read?’ asked Maggie.

Christine’s smile was a little forced as she found a copy, handed it over and hurried them out the door. ‘See you next week, Maggie. Hope to see you again soon too.’ She waved at Tom and he recoiled.

Tom and Maggie were left standing outside the library. They watched Christine get in her oversized mini and drive off.

‘Alf’s her cat,’ said Maggie. Tom beamed a grin. It was the first time he’d smiled and it changed his features a great deal, revealing another version of him hiding inside like it had been waiting for a safe moment to venture out. Maggie smiled too. ‘Well. Sorry again. Bye.’ She turned to head towards home.

‘Weren’t you walking that way?’ asked Tom, his eyebrows puckered.

‘I was but that swine stole my bus pass so now I’m walking home.’ She put up her hood as the rain picked up its pace.

‘Where do you live?’ he asked.

‘Out by Furrow’s Cross.’

His eyes widened. ‘That’s miles.’ Tom dug a hand in his pocket and pulled out a five-pound note. ‘Here.’ He shoved it at Maggie. ‘And I’ll walk you to the bus stop.’

‘No, I can’t take this.’

Tom stepped away so she couldn’t return the money. ‘You need to watch out. There’s thugs out there…’ he paused and she nodded ‘…who punch people in the face when they come to their rescue.’

‘Again, very sorry.’ There was something about this lad that she liked.

They exchanged smiles and started back down the alleyway, Tom leading the way and Maggie a pace behind. They walked in time. Their steps making a steady rhythm.

They reached the bus stop and nipped into the shelter and out of the worst of the weather.