I pull into the motel car park and stagger off the bike, turning to watch her shiver. I extend a hand, and she takes it, tumbling into my arms and burying her head in my chest. “Oh, Phe,” I whisper into her ear. “Come, get out of this rain.” I try to back off but her grip remains tight. I can tell just by the way her frail body shivers against mine that she’s not up for moving. I push her arms up to my shoulders and carry her into the motel.

I ordered the room with Ophelia still in my arms. Only when we get up to the room does she make her own way. Her dress drips heavily onto the carpet. “There’s no way you can sleep in that.” She makes no move to take it off and I walk over, pulling it from her cold, wet flesh. I hold my breath. We lock eyes and for the tiniest moment I consider leaning in. There’s nothing now between my body and hers; no barrier, mental or material. But I can’t.

Then before I know it her clear blue eyes are up close to mine and our lips touch for the hot kiss amongst the cold, dead room.