Juliette paused, thinking what to do next. ‘Do you know where he’s gone today? What time he’ll be back?’
‘He’s out to collect some supplies for the business. He’s usually away for a few hours, once a fortnight.’
Despite not getting her head around what was happening, she had to ask. ‘I need you to do something for me while I think what we can do next. I want to see Daisy.’
‘You can’t.’ Sarah shook her head fervently. ‘What happens if he comes home early?’
‘You can keep a lookout. If we leave the kitchen door open, I can run out that way and get back into my own garden somehow. I promise I’ll only be a few minutes at the most, but I have to see her. I need to believe she exists. I’ve been told for the past few weeks that I was imagining things.’
Sarah had the decency to blush. She lowered her eyes momentarily, but then she looked at Juliette again, fear visible this time.
‘What if Daisy says something to Richard?’ she said quietly.
But Juliette was determined. ‘I’m coming round.’
‘No! Forget I said anything.’
‘But—’
‘Please!’
‘I have to see her. Don’t you see? To make sure she is real – for me.’
Juliette stood her ground until Sarah relented.
‘Okay.’ She nodded. ‘But you must be quick.’
Juliette raced round next door and followed Sarah upstairs. Sarah went into the front bedroom first, glancing through the window to check the driveway was still empty and then with one final look at Juliette, she opened the door to a room at the back of the house.
‘Daisy, say hello to the lady.’
Juliette stepped into the room. The walls were covered in unicorns, on the bedding and curtains too. The sash window let in a little light. As it only overlooked the rear garden, venetian blinds ensured privacy while still letting in light.
The little girl was sitting at a child’s desk, a colouring book open at a page that was half coloured in. She had the biggest, bluest eyes, and pigtails. Her clothes were clean and the room was spotless.
‘Hello, lady,’ Daisy said.
Juliette couldn’t find her voice at first. Then she gave a little wave. ‘Hi, Daisy. What are you colouring in?’
‘It’s a picture of a unicorn.’ Daisy held it up for her to see.
‘That’s very pretty.’ Juliette admired the riot of colours underneath the drawing. ‘You’re very clever to do that.’
Daisy smiled. ‘Would you like it? I can do another one?’
‘Oh, I?—’
‘Are you hungry?’ Sarah interrupted. ‘I’m going to make lunch soon.’
‘It’s fish fingers day!’ Daisy clapped her hands, the picture forgotten in her excitement.
‘It is.’ Sarah smiled and then moved to the door. ‘I won’t be a moment. Say goodbye to the lady.’
‘Bye.’ Daisy turned back to her colouring.
Once downstairs, with no sight of Richard, Juliette turned to Sarah.
‘Are you sure you’re both safe? I’m worried about you and I think you should leave.’
