‘My legs want to move,’ Leah said.

‘Imagine they are,’ whispered Carly. ‘Imagine we’re singing along to Steps and dancing. Close your eyes and hear the music. Feel your feet move. We’re at home safe, in the kitchen. Ready? 5, 6, 7, 8.’

In Carly’s mind the girls moved in unison, lips synching along with the lyrics, feet instinctively knowing which way to turn. It was comforting to know that Leah and Marie were playing the same scene inside their heads, as though they were all watching the same movie. It was odd but, although they were pinned in place under a pyre, Carly felt a strange sense of freedom.

It was the pins and needles that finally forced Carly to move. Slowly she peeled back the carpet, eyes darting around the room. She couldn’t see the men.

She couldn’t hear them.

But that didn’t mean they weren’t close.

She had never felt so scared. Was she just making it worse for them all if they were caught? Would they be tied up again? Gagged. Blindfolded. No longer able to see the horrors but imagining them instead. The worst things happened in darkness. That was where nightmares raged and demons loomed.

Enough. Carly focused on the now. She just wouldn’t allow them to be captured again.

‘I’m going to get you out now, but be quiet.’ Carly lifted slats of wood and carefully placed them on the ground, removing a large piece of damp cardboard that fell to pieces in her hands. She reached for Leah, knowing she was more scared than both of them, but Leah shook her head. ‘Get Marie away from the germs first.’

Marie’s skin was tinged green, the whites of her eyes streaked pink. As soon as Carly helped her out she sank to the ground as though standing was too much effort. Leah was next, still clutching the teddy bear, its red jumper now streaked with white dust.

‘Do you want to cuddle teddy, Marie?’ she whispered to her twin. ‘He’s very brave.’

Marie shook her head.

‘We’re going to get out of here,’ Carly promised. ‘We’ll run as fast as we can and—’

‘I don’t think Marie can run very fast right now.’ Leah had her arm draped around her twin’s shoulder. ‘If you want I… I could go. I’m quick and…’ Fear sparked in Leah’s eyes and she swallowed hard. ‘I could find help. I could try anyway. Couldn’t we, teddy?’ She raised the bear, pressing him against her heart.

Carly deliberated. Should one of them go for help? She glanced out of the open window. The sky outside was definitely fading and not just because it was storm grey either. Night was beginning to draw in. She’d be the obvious choice. Faster. Calmer. But how could she leave her sisters?

‘Thanks, Leah, but we’ll stick together. It’ll be dark soon and we won’t have to worry about moving so fast. They won’t be able to see us.’

‘But we won’t be able to see where we’re going,’ Leah said logically.