The night air feels crisp and fresh, despite the orange tinge to the clouds hovering above the chemical works. I suck in slow, deep breaths and the tension behind my eyes lessens. I sit quietly on the step until I get too cold and I’m forced to walk to warm up. Heading for the local shops in the next estate – they should be quiet at this time and if there are any gangs hanging around, I can always turn back – my mind is buzzing with questions. How can I get some ingredients now Hatty’s not going to help me? Why did I have to be so stupid and nick off school? Is Hatty really thinking of leaving? The shops are quiet, and the shutters on the chippie are down. I peer into the small corner store, my hand sheltering the reflection from the street light above my head as I squint – trying to find the baking section so I can see how much money I’ll need to get the oats, honey, sugar and rainbow treats. “Fancy seeing you here.” I vaguely recognize the voice coming from the next shop doorway, and yet I jump.
