Birds were celebrating overhead, and I opened my eyes on sunlight dappling the ground. The air in the copse blew morning fresh, but we were cosy under my cover with Storm curved snug against my back. As I touched the arm lying across me, it tightened, and Storm’s nose nuzzled my neck. I turned, and we regarded each other before kissing gently.

Now I was awake, my thoughts tumbled over each other. I shared them with Storm.

“If I’m going to disappear for two days, I...