Bella gives a cross between a sigh and a huff. ‘It’s that one.’ She points to the squat block of flats at the end.

I cruise down and park as close to the entrance as I can get. I realise I have literally seconds before Bella gets out of the car and leaves, and I don’t know when I’ll get to see her again. My heart is sick with longing and despair. ‘I don’t suppose… is there any chance I could quickly use your bathroom?’

Bella inhales. I can’t tell if she’s annoyed or just breathing. ‘Uh, yeah, okay.’

‘Thank you so much. I’ll literally be two minutes. Shouldn’t have had that cup of tea before I left.’ I turn to Jess and Charlie in the back seat. ‘Wait here, you two. Just nipping in to use the loo. I’ll be two ticks.’

‘Can I come?’ Jess asks.

‘No, just wait here. I’m going to lock the car door behind me.’

Bella and I get out of the car. I open the boot and pass her her school bag, then we make a run for the building as the rain pelts us. I follow her into the stairwell, the security light almost blinding me on our way through. As we run in, I can’t help imagining that this is our flat and we’re running home together out of the storm. That we’re going inside to get warm and dry and maybe have a chat about her day and then watch a movie. After years of missing my daughter, this is all I’ve ever wanted. My heart suddenly feels so full of pain and love that it hurts.

There are two wooden doors ahead of us with security-glass panels. She goes to the one on the left and rummages in the front of her bag for her key. She opens the door and I follow her into the dark hallway. She switches on the light and it’s actually really nice inside – white and fresh and stylish, decorated in a minimalist Scandinavian kind of vibe.

Bella puts her key on the hall table and points to a door on the left. ‘The bathroom’s there.’

‘Sorry about this.’ I give her an apologetic smile, wishing I could think of something witty or interesting to say, but my mind is coming up blank. I go into the bathroom and lock the door behind me. I lean against it, racking my brains to think of something, anything that will help me to connect with her. To help me find out the truth. But I can’t think of anything. And I know I’m playing with fire here. Kate will probably be home at any minute. I clench my fists in frustration and feel like screaming. Instead, I flush the loo, run the tap and unlock the door.

The hallway’s empty.