Fragments Chapter 23 Page 3

and examines the underside which contains a tattoo. It’s one word - SIRIUS - and he nods to himself before holding up his hand gently to tell her it would be ok, then places a finger over his lips to tell her to be quiet.

She nods as he gives her further instructions to back away as the man begins to convulse and gasp for air, her hands trembling and tears rolling down her face. She whispers between sobs: I don’t… I don’t think there is a way to stop it.

He looks at her again before placing his hand onto the chest of the man and closing his eyes. She stands there looking at him as he rotates his hand around over his heart as if dialling in the combination of a safe, then looks up again suddenly towards the forest.