I go and fetch a throw from Charlie’s bed and wrap it around me as I snuggle into the depths of the sofa and try to concentrate on starting another book on my e-reader. Maybe it’s not the best idea in the world that this book is a suspense-ridden thriller. Right now I could do with a gentle rom-com to read instead. I flick through the contents of the e-reader, trying to find something less dramatic to tackle. The gate outside keeps rattling against its frame but there’s no way I’m going out there in the pitch black to try and secure it.

