• They stopped halfway to the large city, which was another four hours away. In the small town of Redvale, the sombre, jet Mercedes was parked outside a quaint bed and breakfast. Already checked into her room, Hania sat on her hotel suite bed, tears streaming down her face. She needed to let off a little steam, otherwise she’d end up bottling everything up, and she’d never make it to the city in one piece. She leant back, flopping onto her side and cradling her head in her arms. Long, inconsolable sobs spilt from her, echoing around the clean, presentable room. She stilled, quickly cleaning herself up when she heard a knock at the door. She sat herself back up, wiping her tears up before answering.
    “What youse wanting?” she snapped, sniffing quietly. The door opened a fraction and Kam peered around the corner.
    “I’ve just spoken to your mother.” he informed her quietly, walking in. She tensed, looking up at the agent expectantly. He sighed, coming to sit by her.
    “She says she’s fine, but she’s not going to follow on. She apologises and hopes that you can keep yourself out of trouble.” he patted her shoulder as she started to shake. Closing her eyes, more tears welled up and started their journey back down her cheeks.
    “Why ain’t she following? I can’t be doin’ any o’ this wi’out her.” she wailed, collapsing back down onto the soft mattress of the bed and sobbing. Looking and feeling awkward, Kam sat by and watched her. He couldn’t think of any comforting words he could offer her. Tapping came from the door, and Chad peered in much like Kam had done before. He saw the two on the bed and bit his lip, disappearing. Giving a stressed and anxious face, Kam glared at the door where Chad was. What was he meant to do now?
    Hania gave an appreciative sniff, her eyes clenched closed and her body coiled up into a tight ball. She slowly unravelled herself, watching the awkward agent from the corner of her eye. He looked down at her, giving her a quick sympathetic look before getting up.
    “I’ll pour you out some water...” he offered, opening the mini fridge and picking out a bottle of water and a cool glass. She slowly sat herself up, looking blankly at the glass. He picked it up and handed it to her. The chilling touch of the glass on her fingers sent a shiver up her back, but she shook it off. Bringing the water to her lips, she drank heavily, ignoring the screams of pain from her throat where her crying had worn it down and the icy water froze it. She blinked, attempting to wake herself. She chugged down the rest of the water, trying to relax and gain more consciousness of her whereabouts. Finally more aware, she shook her head and look up at Kam, who was standing in front of her uneasily.
    “Ummm... thanks yas...” she mumbled, a little surprised she could find her voice. A small smile formed on his lips.
    “It’s alright. You reacted like I expected you to...” he lied quickly, looking down at the clean, cream carpet. The distressed girl managed a forced chuckle, before sighing.
    “Me’ ma ain’t coming wi’ us afta all, eh?” she asked, bracing herself for the answer. Kam hesitated, before shaking his head. Hania nodded acceptingly. It was inevitable; her mother hated the moving. Maybe it was for the better... Hania was old enough to look after herself. She’ll go back when she was sure they were safe. A flash of fear ran through her. Was her mother safe there, if the terrorists knew where she used to live? She looked swiftly up at Kam.
    “Ain’t da ter’ists gunna find me’ ma back at the ‘ouse?” she asked anxiously, her voice high and strained. Kam shook his head.
    “they may find her, but she’s got a couple of officers, not in uniform, staying with her until everything is worked out. She’ll be fine.” He replied, feeling a lot better when Hania’s face straightened with relief. Looking from the clock to the dark window, he turned to the door.
    “It’s getting dark. Sleep, we leave first thing tomorrow. I’m in the room next door if you need anything.” He added, before opening the door. He gave her one last comforting beam, before closing the door behind him. Hania sighed, quickly changing into some ragged, cadet-blue pyjamas. Her dark coloured overalls lay neatly on the top of the pile of clothes in her suitcase, and she settled herself down to sleep. Pulling the soft covers over her, she felt the last couple of tears of the night seep into the delicate cotton of the pillow.