Helen tried not to think about the bluegreen-tiled swimming pool on the roof, talking with Hanae in the dining room, the amazing computer graphics software in the lab where Hanae worked, the other women working together in the labs.

When they met, she and Clara would share the stories of their journeys. Record the safe places and the places of danger. Work together to restore online communication between different communities, even if it was only on a small scale. Neither one of them had experience of the difficulties of the wider world. Perhaps that is just as well, Helen thought. Otherwise I would stay here, where I am happy.

Soon in the dark of early morning, she would attempt to leave Anyaclaver.