She materialised out of nowhere, catching me entirely off guard. Elderly neighbours are good at that. They spend many hours patiently watching from behind their net curtains, watching and waiting, pausing occasionally to adjust a doily or put the kettle on, but always alert, always listening, always ready to pounce. Just a second love, that chap Mo is busily occupied trying to pack up his car. I’m just popping out to startle him. Maybe I can get him to drop something.

Bejewelled, perfumed, plastered with make-up. Clunking great rings, her skin an unnatural orange. A walking perfumery, swirling clouds of fumes and powder surrounded her. I knew I should have kept that gas mask. With the recent transport disruptions due to volcanic ash she really should be more careful.

“Brother and sister?” she asked with a telling wink, glancing between my sister and I with pride and a sense of achievement. There was no time to respond. “I’ll be sad to see you leave, “ she said, “you and your little family. Your daughter is adorable, a darling. I’m sorry I haven’t introduced myself before.”

But this is what terrified me.

“For the last six months I’ve been watching you,” she said. I may never sleep again.





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