Before Poppy picked up the drinks, she put her arms around her sister and hugged her tight. That was the first time ever that they’d embraced. They’d never been a tactile family. It was just how they were, and it stemmed from having a mother and father who were cold in outlook. Poppy couldn’t remember a single hug from her mother, for God’s sake. It wasn’t normal, was it? Both of her parents were cold and stiff; there were no kisses on the cheeks, even.

Brooke broke down in Poppy’s arms. Holding on tight, she didn’t want to let go, which completely shocked Poppy.

‘Hey, come on. I’m here for you. Let’s give being sisters a go, shall we?’

Brooke sniffed and then laughed as she wiped her wet face. ‘Well, that will be a first.’

‘Brooke, have you never wondered why the police haven’t been to the house to follow up your dreadful attack or why Mother hasn’t organized some professional help for you?’

Brooke frowned. Her white, thin, and sunken face looked so fragile. ‘No.’

Poppy shook her head and sighed. ‘I’ve been doing some research on the internet. By rights, you should’ve had some counselling at the very least.’

‘I don’t think it will help me, Poppy. I just keep seeing those men. I’m so afraid all the time, I can’t even bear to take my clothes off. It’s like they’ll suddenly appear from nowhere.’

Poppy could feel a lump in her throat. She just couldn’t imagine being that scared of anything. ‘Hey, listen. Why don’t I run you a bath and sit beside you? You’ll feel safer then, I promise.’

Brooke lowered her head and looked up through her eyelashes. ‘Maybe.’

‘You stink!’

Brooke laughed. ‘I know. Okay, but, please, stay with me?’

Grabbing Brooke’s hands, Poppy, nodded. ‘Always, Sis. And always remember we are together in this. Fuck Mother and fuck sodding Father. It’s you and me now, yeah?’

Brooke nodded, and her cheeks showed just a little more colour, and those blue eyes gradually revealed a spark of life, as she gave Poppy a gentle smile. ‘Yeah, all right, then. Go for it.’

***

By the time Rebecca had returned home, Brooke was downstairs. Her hair was no longer a dishevelled mess. Now, having been thoroughly washed and blow-dried, it glistened as it hung well below her shoulders, almost down to her waist. She was very thin, but the food that Poppy had made her had restored some colour in her cheeks.

Rebecca was stunned to see her two daughters on the sofa side by side, looking through a magazine. However, what she didn’t expect to see was the cold, dirty look she received from both of them. In her usual matter-of-fact manner, she said, ‘Well, it’s good to see you finally up, Brooke. How are you feeling today?’