He looks relieved, but my chest is tight with anxiety. I can’t throw him out with nowhere to go, especially now I’ve lied to Yrsa, but I’m not exactly comfortable with him being here. Better to let him think he can only stay for a couple of nights.

I sigh, feeling trapped inside. My body feels heavy, like when I’ve taken out the bathplug but stayed in the water. For months the cabin is the only place I’ve wanted to be, but now Mormor has gone, I don’t know what to do. I can’t face going home and seeing Mum. Right now I never want to see her again.

Stig looks in the wicker basket and throws the last remaining log on the fire. ‘Is there some way I can help? Anything at all? I could take you to the graveyard in the village perhaps?’ There is kindness in his eyes, as if he really cares. I give a half-smile, touched by his concern. A part of me would like to see where Mormor is buried, but I don’t know if I’m ready. If I stay here, surrounded by her things, then it’s like she hasn’t really gone. Going to her grave would mean having to say goodbye. I shake my head.

‘Well, just say if you change your mind.’

I look out of the window, feeling uncomfortable under Stig’s scrutiny. ‘Anyway, aren’t we meant to stay inside in case there’s a wolf or something?’

Stig snorts. ‘It will just be a stray dog. I’m sure Olav will shoot it soon.’

I pull my heavy woollen cardigan a little tighter, then glance around the cabin. Stig’s gaze meets mine and we smile at each other shyly. Although he’s a complete stranger, there’s something about him that seems vaguely familiar. ‘A spark of connection’, is what Kelly calls it, when you meet someone and feel like you know them already.

My phone buzzes. Then buzzes again. And again.

‘Reception comes and goes,’ explains Stig. ‘You get nothing, then everything at once.’

Several texts from Mum and one from Kelly: How’s it going hun? Missed you last night x. I clasp the charm around my neck and start to type: Mormor is d—, then delete it. I can’t bring myself to say it. Instead I send: Busy but talk soon. Luv u x