"I don't know," I said, sounding more miserable than I really felt as I stretched off the bed to retrieve Eddie's book I'd sent flying. I dropped it on the mattress, then turned onto my back and pulled myself until I was propped up slightly on Eddie's pillows and watched him as he looked at the list.

I wanted him to come with me whenever I decided to go. I wanted him to help me pick the things we would both end up using in the flat, but when I had said as much to the workers they'd exchanged a glance I hadn't much liked. I didn't know what it meant and I didn't ask, because I felt certain that I didn't want to know either.

"I guess they want me to be prepared," I said. "Instead of leaving it all to the very last minute."