Her first night on the street consisted of snatched moments of sleep spread between long periods of fretful wakefulness, watching out for passers-by, hoping she would go unnoticed. As the first light pierced through the gaps in the surrounding buildings, she got ready to move, wanting to be gone before the first commuters arrived. She didn't know if she'd need to use this spot again, so had to ensure nobody saw her, recognised her. She headed away from the gradually increasing noise of the traffic, people with purpose, places to get to. She soon found herself in a small park, its calm only disturbed by the occasional jogger, passing without giving her a second glance. The ground was still wet from the previous night's rainfall, so she thought better of stopping and sitting on one of the many benches, her clothes were already damp from the morning air and she realised that she was shivering. The public toilets had hand dryers, and there was nobody nearby, so she went and used the facilities, taking the opportunity to wash her face and take a drink from the tap. When she looked in the mirror she recoiled in shock. The face staring back at her was like a ghost, drawn and pallid. Her hair hung limply, unwashed, reminding her of the little girl she once was, who she had worked so hard to leave in her past. She wondered if this was why they were after her, she had got above her station in life and they wanted to bring her back to where she belonged.

"Are you OK in there?"

A voice she didn't recognise. Was it real or had she imagined it, she was finding it harder to tell the difference.

"Hello, are you there? I just wanted to make sue you were alright. Can you come out?"

She opened the door and was faced with a middle-aged woman, who offered a concerned smile as she went to move past her.

"I didn't want to intrude but I saw you go in there a while ago and was worried."

"I'm fine" Carla muttered, looking down so she didn't have to meet her gaze. "Don't worry about me."

"I can give you numbers, if you need somewhere to stay, you need to look after yourself."

Carla felt anger rising thorough her, how dare this lady presume she would want that, did she think she was stupid, that she couldn't see through her plan to get her cornered for them? But then doubts set in. She certainly didn't look like a threat, she seemed kind. What if she could help? Carla wrestled with these conflicting thoughts, weighing up her options. She couldn't trust anyone, but she felt drawn to this woman, she didn't know why. She glanced up, and was met with another smile, which she tried to return.

"Thanks, but I need to go now."

Carla thought about how untrue that was, she had nowhere to go, she couldn't be more alone.

"Do you want to stop for a coffee or something to eat? My treat. There's a café just over there, and I've got half an hour before I'm meeting my friend. You look like you could use a warm drink."

Carla remembered then how hungry she was. Her stomach growled in anticipation, betraying her as she shook her head, this must be a trap, one she mustn't step into.

"Ok, well I have some biscuits in my bag somewhere, hang on a tick while I find them, I'm meant to be on a diet so you'll be doing me a favour if you take them. Oh yes, here they are."

The lady held them out expectantly, her confusion evident when Carla hesitated.

"Go on love, are you sure you are really OK? Can I get someone for you?"

"No, I'm fine, thank you. Thank you for these." She answered quickly, taking them from her, trying again to smile, to pretend that she was in control, that panic wasn't threatening to overwhelm her.

The woman put her hand on Carla's arm, which at first made her flinch, this was her first human contact in weeks and she realised how much she had missed it. She felt her body relax slightly as the fingers gently rubbed her sleeve, trying to offer some comfort.

"Well you take care. I'm around here most mornings if you ever need someone to talk to. I know it's none of my business, but you just seem like you could use a friend."

Carla couldn't stop the tears welling in her eyes, she needed to leave now, before she lost control completely. She mumbled a goodbye as she moved away, putting as much distance between them as she could. It was far to tempting to give in, and she couldn't let them win. She could hear the woman call after her, although the words merged into a hum that she couldn't distinguish.

When she was far enough away she stopped and her attention turned to the packet still clasped tightly in her hand. She shouldn't eat them; how did she know they were safe? But she was so hungry she decided to take the risk, savouring every mouthful, not knowing when she would eat again. She wondered if she should have stayed, if that woman would have been able to help her. She felt slightly better, maybe because of the food, she wasn't sure, but she resolved to go back to the park tomorrow, pleased that she was making a plan, this was progress.

She spent the majority of the day once again pacing the streets, trying not to stay in one area for too long. She found a museum with free admission so spent some time inside getting warm, but people were staring, they knew she didn't belong there so she left, fearing someone would recognise her and call the police.

She stole a sandwich for tea. She had done this many times in her youth, to ensure her and Rob ate when her mum was incapable of providing anything, but she still felt nervous and guilty as she walked out of the store, head bowed and hood up, ensuring she was not being followed before she dared to stop and enjoy her spoils. Eventually she was back where she had started her day, back in the doorway, trying to simultaneously block out the world and stay alert for those who would harm her. Her thoughts once again drifted to Peter, as they always did. She wondered if she would ever see him again. She resolved that when everything had died down, when she was sure they weren't still tracking her, she could go back and see him, as long as he didn't notice her. Watching him from afar was better than no contact at all. This brought her some comfort, at least he this meant he wouldn't be lost to her forever. Eventually in the early hours her body once again gave in to her fatigue and she succumbed to a fitful, dreamless sleep.