The boy shook his head.
But the second Sol was already moving towards the window.
"Wait!" Jude shouted.
The other boy turned.
"You wanted to know why there are two of me?"
"Yes."
"Then ask the one standing beside you."
The first Sol stared at him.
The second boy climbed through the window.
Before disappearing, he looked over his shoulder.
"And Jude?"
"What?"
"Don't take him home."
The window slammed shut.
The silver door closed.
The bedroom vanished.
Jude and Sol were left on the circular landing.
For several moments, neither spoke.
Then the dark wooden door marked JUDE opened.
Beyond it was the shared house.
Jude could hear familiar voices.
A pot being moved.
Someone laughing.
The clatter of plates.
He recognised Natalie calling out to Zoey. He heard Sophie asking someone to pass her a basket. Serena was complaining about a loose wooden board.
Home.
Jude approached the doorway.
Sol remained behind.
"Come on," Jude said.
The boy stared at the room beyond.
