Vicky, Ruth, and Selena had moved into a small, terraced cottage on a road opposite the village hall. Sam and Joanne had moved in together next-door. Vicky had neither the energy nor inclination to join the party in the hall, and the others took their lead from her. Instead, Sam roasted a couple of rabbits he’d caught over a fire-pit he’d dug in his back garden. He cooked over the open fire regularly. He’d removed several of the fence panels between the two houses and shared dinner with the neighbours most days. Tonight, Vicky had barely touched her food. She loitered by the fire, heat more important than nourishment, and chain-smoked cigarettes. Sam kept her company; the others having gone inside to play board games. He couldn’t think of anything more tedious. She watched him watching her
