After a while they let each other go, and take a step back. Tim stares from James to Matt, that same grin on his face. He’s grown into a tall, slender young man with thinning dark hair – a gaunt adult version of the 13-year-old boy they met back in Year 8.

‘Jesus, this guy gets bigger every time I see him,’ Tim laughs, staring at James and then tipping Matt a wink. ‘Your arm’s about the same width as my waist, James.’

James lets out a good-natured chuckle and pats Tim on the shoulder. It nearly sends him flying.

‘It’s good to see you guys again,’ says Tim. For a second his grin fades and he looks serious. ‘We shouldn’t leave it so long next time.’

‘It’s— well, it’s good to see you too,’ James says. ‘And you’re right, we don’t do it enough.’

‘We’ve been chatting about a route in the car,’ says Matt.

‘Oh yeah?’

‘Yeah, we were thinking of carving out west for a bit tomorrow, then heading up north.’

Tim stares at Matt for a moment. His smile is gone again, and he bites his bottom lip. After a while he sighs. ‘You know, I thought you were going to suggest the old route.’

‘No, not the old route,’ Matt says quickly. ‘Not exactly. But we thought, seeing as it’s been a while, it might be good to visit some of the spots where— well, you know.’

‘Tom and Gary.’ It’s almost a whisper. ‘Yes, of course. And you’re right, it would be. Good, I mean.’

Tim looks pale, and Matt’s suddenly reminded of the white-faced teenager who followed them around Rutmoor like a ghost 13 years ago. The teenager who split his own father’s head open with a walking pole, and then lied to go along with the story they made up afterwards like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Lying comes easily to some people.

Who was it who’d said that? Maybe James’ grandmother. She’d had lots of little catchphrases when she was alive. Or perhaps it’s a quote from some film he can’t remember.

Matt realises the others are staring at him, and he clears his throat. ‘Right, well, no time like the present.’ He smiles. ‘I say we grab our stuff and set out, we can catch up properly en route. Be good to make up some miles before it gets dark.’

They move off to James’ car together to get their packs out of the boot. The sun is shining clear in the sky, and their shadows are nothing but short dark circles that puddle around their feet.

Friday, Part Three

It’s the evening, and they’re sat around the campfire.