Sophie did not know what to say, so as soon as she could she got out of the house and walked into the meadows within the island. The air was, if not exactly hot, pleasantly warm, at least in the sun; she took off her mask and gloves, and after a while she proceeded to let go of her anorak. She was still wearing a sweatshirt underneath, made of anti-infection synthetic material, so she felt relatively safe.

While she walked she reflected on James’ words. All in all, she ...