She let me borrow whatever I needed until my bag turned up. Of course it didn’t turn up and probably never will. I will buy what I need when we get there. I’ll change my style again. I don’t know what people dress like in Ulaanbaatar, but it won’t be long before I find out. I glance at Carrie. She’s lying on her bed now, still and quiet. One hand resting on her chest. Her rib cage gently rises and falls. I can see the perfect mounds of her breasts above her thin vest. Her clavicle stands high and sharp, and I have to try very hard not to lean over and run my finger across it.

‘I’ll pay for the ticket. When we get to the next stop,’ I say quietly. I hope she’ll let me stay with her in Mongolia. I feel like we’re only just getting started.

‘Whatever,’ she says. In a way that says she’s chilled, not indifferent. She doesn’t open her eyes.

I stare out of the window. Those same bleak fields. The rhythmic badum badum of the train on the tracks. I lean back against the wall, letting the sounds hypnotise me.

Badum badum.

A screech, now and then. The train lurches from side to side. I close my eyes and wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t walked into the travel centre and found her there, and me so desperate to take this trip.

She’s my beautiful, perfect saviour.

I’ve barely thought about Sam since I met her. She’s going to be good for me, I think. I just hope I can control myself this time.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: RE: Got a new pal, you’re dumped

OMG, you’ve replaced me already? Seriously, Caz, that is GREAT. I didn’t tell you how much it was stressing me out about that bloody ticket. To be honest, I’m not even bothered about the money that much. I’m glad it’s gone to a good home. You need to tell me everything about your new friend though – come on! Are you on the train yet? What’s it like? And can we please use Messenger? I hate waiting for your emails … I miss you! Nothing much is happening here, as I am sure you can imagine. Edinburgh is cold and wet and full of tourists. Sheila from work has taken your place in the quiz team. She lacks your musical knowledge, but she knows everything else … She’s actually quite a laugh after a couple of shandies.

Tell me everything!

Miss you,

L xxx

P.S. I saw Greg. I know that’s what you were hinting at but are refusing to acknowledge. Why won’t you tell me what happened with you two? He looks forlorn…

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]