I can hear the children but I can’t see them. Their voices, high-pitched and merry, follow me as I try to find my way out of the maze. The holly nips at my skin as I turn left then right, stumbling into the ragged hedge. Above me, the sky explodes with red and blue and golden fire, and I clutch my chest in fright. I need to get to the centre of the maze before it’s too late. Behind me the children’s voices grow fainter and I realize I’m getting close. The air seems to get thinner with every step I take and I feel my lungs tighten. Almost there, Vanessa, I tell myself, just a few more steps. And then I see him. Lying there, spread-eagled like some ancient sacrifice. Legs jutting out at awkward angles, eyes bulging from his dead, grey face.

Geoffrey.

I try to turn back but the way is blocked by overgrown holly. It pierces my ankles, wraps itself around my chest until I can’t breathe. I’m going to die and no one will know where I am. I push back at the sharp leaves, blood running down my arms. Then I feel something touch my shoulder. I turn and see Geoffrey. He’s still alive. He’s holding something in his hand. My blood runs cold when I see what it is. Then, all of a sudden, I feel a pressure on my neck. I try to scream but no sound will come out.

‘Vanessa.’

I sit up in bed, sweat sticking to my forehead, my heart racing.

‘Vanessa, are you okay? You were screaming.’

I look up and see my sister standing at the door, her eyes drowsy with sleep.

‘I was dreaming,’ I say as I slowly come to. ‘What time is it?’

‘Just gone midnight,’ she says, leaning her head against the door frame. ‘I was going to call you down for supper but when I looked in you were sound asleep, so I left yours in the fridge. Are you hungry? I can get you something if you like?’

‘I’m fine, thanks, Georgie,’ I say, trying my best to sound like I am. ‘I’m really sorry I woke you.’

She stands for a moment, watching me, her face a mixture of fatigue and concern.

‘Oh, don’t worry about that,’ she says, with what looks like a forced smile. ‘As long as you’re okay, that’s the main thing.’

‘I am,’ I reply, putting my head back on the pillow. ‘Just a bad dream, that’s all. Night, night, Georgie.’