“I’d forgotten he was there,” Lucy said, “despite the snoring.”

“Geoffrey is a very effective chaperone,” Finn said. He reached for the backpack and took out the blanket and the thermos. “Would you like some hot chocolate? I’ve got a spare cup.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Lucy said, “if you have enough to share.”

They drank the hot chocolate in silence looking at the emerging stars and the tracery of dark branches against the velvet sky.

“I’m going to collect some twigs to make a fire,” Finn said, getting up. Geoffrey was on his feet in an instant. “I won’t be long. Don’t feel you need to go,” he added, as Lucy started to gather her things together, “unless you want to.”

His long shadow and Geoffrey’s shorter one melted into the darkness, leaving Lucy alone at the edge of the lake. A thin moon was rising, its light reflected on the rippling surface. Lucy realized that she hadn’t brought a torch, although she supposed she could use the light on her phone to find her way back up the path to the barn. She hadn’t intended to stay out so late, but she had enjoyed it. Finn might want a bit of peace and quiet on his own now, beside the fire, though. Clearly, he was still grieving deeply for his brother and she didn’t want to overstay her welcome.

She got to her feet and dusted her jeans down. Suddenly the darkness seemed to press closer; her head spun, disorienting her completely. She felt an icy chill seize her, just as it had before, and the summer night was replaced by a blizzard of snow. Then light flared, orange and gold, like fireworks across her eyes. Turning, she saw a landscape that was quite different, a lake, wide and flat, a sullen gray against the black sky. On the edge of it was a dainty little summerhouse of brick and wood. The slender structure was shaking as fire licked up the side of it, the wood cracking and creaking as the flames took hold. There was smoke in the air, and cinders swirling up on a fierce spiral.

“Lucy!”

Finn’s voice. He burst out of the darkness. She could hear Geoffrey barking, then feel the thump of his tail against her leg as Finn grabbed her, pulling her close.

“What’s happened?” She could feel the beat of his heart. Her cheek was pressed against his jacket as his arms closed about her. It felt good. “You called out,” Finn said. “Are you all right?”

“Did I?” Lucy said. She felt confused. “Sorry, I didn’t realize. I...” Her voice trailed away. In her mind’s eye she could see the summerhouse on fire and the flames shooting to the sky. And yet there was nothing there now, no fire and no building. The little pool was calm and the night was clear.

Was she losing her mind?

Geoffrey sniffed the air with a dog’s inquisitive interest and she thought she caught the drift of smoke over the water.