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“The courier is on his way. The Exchange. I’m going to ring them and make sure they know to expect our documents.”

“Ask for Mabel,” Stewart said. “And on that note, I’m going to bed.”

“Thank you,” I muttered, standing up.

I was so goddamn tired. The last couple of weeks were finally catching up with me, like having to use my brain had exhausted me to the point where I almost fell down the stairs before falling head first onto the bed…

Only to find Stewart stumbling down behind me.

“Going to take my cups back. I have none in the cupboards anymore. They’re all squatting here.”

“Might as well leave them,” I muttered. “Tea in the morning.”

“It’s eleven thirty. Lunchtime in the real world. No tea.”

“Wake me up later?” I asked. I had no idea why.

“Want me to tuck you in?” He laughed.

“I have no idea how to even move.” I tried to shuffle over, as he was suddenly there, tugging at the duvet, shaking it out and covering my legs, then shaking his head as he pulled off my socks.

“Used to do this with my son, all the time. He’d come in and fall asleep in his clothes. So I’d tug his socks off and tuck him in. Sit down on the bed and stroke his hair.”

“Really?”

He sat down on the bed next to me, though he didn’t stroke my hair. I kind of wanted him to. Anything to calm me.

“I’m so overtired I can barely think,” I admitted.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to get across the grass to get home. I haven’t been awake all night for years.”

“I haven’t wanted to sleep for years. Not like this.”

Steady fingers combed through my mop. It was nice. Surprisingly so.

“You’ve done really well. I’m proud of you.”

I knew my emotions were running high, but I hadn’t realised how much I’d needed this. A bit of human connection. Someone to notice.

To be seen. Understood.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

He yawned. Moved as if he was going to get up.

“You can stay,” I suggested, moving over further. “Just lie down. Rest.”

“I can’t sleep in your bed, Dylan.”

“Wanna bet?” I turned my back to him. “Rest. Busy days ahead.”

The way the bed dipped made me think he’d got up, but then he tugged at the duvet, got in and just lay there. Breathing.

It had been so long since I’d slept with someone by my side.

When Veronica had been home, I hadn’t been able to relax, always expecting a scolding or a sneer or a crude remark.

She hadn’t been happy. Neither had I. At least she had ended it before I’d gone completely mad. Or maybe before she had.