I sit on the edge of the bed and bounce gently, wondering at the luxury of a mattress to sleep on. I've spent so many nights on the hard ground or inside the train car the idea of closing my eyes under clean sheets and cradled by softness is amazing.

Duet stands in the corner, watching me, shifting from one foot to the other. After dinner, Ever took Poppy and Beckett for a tour, telling Duet to show me to my room. She's stood there ever since, the dog at her feet, not saying ...