‘Yes, everything’s fine.’ I move my hand from the door and walk up the stairs. I’m not about to start arguing with Tom while Amber is still awake and listening.

Chapter Ten

Lying in bed, I stare at the ceiling, then my phone, then the sheep who just won’t jump the fence. Two hours twisting and turning. This is going nowhere. My mind is making a horror movie out of my thoughts. Reading doesn’t help. Five pages in and I realize not one word has registered. I fling the book onto the floor by the side of the bed and slip out from under the duvet. The sound of Tom’s snoring echoes through the eerie silence. Whatever is going on, it’s not disturbing his sleep.

The room is completely dark. Rummaging on the back of the door, I locate my dressing gown and wrap it around me. Gently I close the door behind, walk down the stairs and hope my midnight wander doesn’t waken any of the kids.

When I get to the kitchen I look out the window and see the night’s stars twinkle in the sky. Their mere existence eases my stress. Moving up close to the pane of glass I stare at the sky wondering, wishing, praying. Hoping that Tom is not lying to me.

My mind becomes completely hypnotized by the beauty on show above my head and I feel a peace surround me, holding me tightly. Helping me consider that maybe things will turn out okay. Hugging my dressing gown close around me I open the back door and step out into the calm night. Into the still painting.

Inhaling the cool air, I allow myself to relax, enjoy this moment. No one is hanging on me, calling me, asking me where stuff is. I try to forget that soon I will once again be lost amongst the shuffle of life. For now, this peace brings a sense of freedom, and it’s all mine. My head is tilted towards the heavens when suddenly I feel like I’m not alone. There is someone watching me. Am I imagining it?

A wave of cool air blows across my face dragging me from my peaceful world back into this mess. Who’s that? I see a body attempting to pull itself over the back wall. Someone was in the garden.

‘Tom, Tom,’ I scream, rushing to the bottom of the garden and triggering the security light when I step off the patio.

Not considering what I would actually do if I caught the intruder, I continue to run. But I’m too late. They’ve scaled the wall, I can see them heading out to the laneway but not before they turn and look at me.