21
Despite Sean’s and Poppy’s protests, I insisted on leaving. Poppy even came with me in the taxi and locked me back in, when I explained I didn’t want to risk having my only source of release in the same house as Peter. My threat to walk home and wait outside for him had ended up the major factor in her decision to concede.
I upset Sean, though, refusing his offer of a lift. He begged me not to return home, pleaded with me to stay with Poppy. Other than using physical restraint, he had no choice but to let me go.
After Poppy had turned the key, I stared at the door for several seconds—almost unable to believe I’d subjected myself to going back, despite Poppy’s promises to return the next day—before perking myself up.
With the telephone in its exact position, the loft cover replaced,
