Fellside

And secondly, that Jess Moulson takes her obligations seriously. Perhaps she’s gone to see someone who she knew when she was alive and still cares about. A friend, say, or a close relative.

Or it might be something else again. There might be another ghost out there, a real boy this time, who died by fire after hardly living at all. Who doesn’t know the ropes. Who’s lost and waiting for her to come.

Across how many miles and years of distance?

How many lives?

If it is that, Naz hopes he’ll still be there when Jess comes looking for him. She wants that happy ending for both of them.

I’ve been where you’re standing, she whispers to the boy (and sound carries a long way in the dark, so maybe if he’s out there he hears her). I know what it’s like. When the night goes on for ever and the little light of you is going out and there’s nothing to grab on to.

You just hold on tight, kid.

And keep saying your name until she comes.