I was sitting on a low wall, watching the sky darken and the last colours of the sunset fade when Daniel came out of the house and sat beside me. "Are you warm enough, Harry?" he said.

"I'm fine." I said.

"It's quite a pleasant evening." he said.

"It is." I said.

"You're not coughing these days. Must be a good sign." he said. It still feels strange, knowing someone cares if I'm ill.

"I think my lungs are better now." I said.

"Good." he said.

We sat in silence for a long time. I watched the sky, a little afraid to look at him, in case my face gave away how I had made Charlotte suspicious of us.

Finally, he said, "I don't think I'd like to be your age again. It's a difficult time. Life is much easier to cope with as you get older."

"That's good to know." I said, "Because sometimes I get very confused."

"Everyone does, Harry." he said. He laughed and said, "I wish I'd known then all the things I do now. Life would have been a lot more fun."

"Bet you a quid it wouldn't." I said.

"No bet." he said, "You're probably right."

I felt I should try again to tell him Charlotte was suspicious. "Charlotte ... " I began.

"Charlotte's a sweet girl, Harry." he said.

"Yes." I said.

"And I imagine you'll leave here with some fond memories of your friendship."

That was a sad thought, that all I would have when we left would ge the memories, but I knew he was right. "Yes." I said, "I'll miss her when this ends."

He patted my shoulder and said, "You're a good kid, Harry, and very wise."

After he'd gone, I tried not to get upset. I'm not young enough to cry like I wanted to. I just said to muself, "Daniel treats you like an adult so bloody well act like one." I knew it wouldn't last between Charlotte and me, but I thought we could at least write to each other or something.