Ethan turned away from the water. Moon’s End’s ripples had gone now; he didn’t know what to do next. Slowly he walked to Deity. He could try and say something to Dad or Mum, but he wasn’t ready yet. Nodding and shaking his head was what he did. He’d keep his voice to himself for now.

“We’ll take you to see Polly, I promise,” said Mum when she came into his cabin after bedtime. She sat on the floor next to his bed. “Don’t forget, Mary’s coming to see you tomorrow.”

Ethan had forgotten about Mary coming back. He’d been so busy thinking about Dad and Polly. Now Polly had gone and Mary was coming back to talk about school but now he wasn’t so scared.

“Ethan, I know you’re upset about Polly, but don’t go to the pond in the morning. Wait for Mary.”

He nodded. Mum stood up and kissed the top of his head.

“OK. Sleep tight.”

Merlin climbed on to his chest when Mum left. Ethan stroked her back and she started to purr. Did her voice hum in her ears just like his had? He kept stroking. Merlin meowed like she was talking, like she wanted him to speak to her. If he tried again now, no one would know.

“Merlin.”

He’d spoken a little louder than last time, but still he didn’t feel sick.

Merlin fixed him with her green eyes. She meowed.

“Merlin.”

One of his tears fell on her fur.

“My wish came true.”