“It’s me!” said the voice.
Tiffany turned toward a clump of daisies twice the height of a man. “That’s not a lot of help.”
“Are you crazy?” said the daisies.
“I’m looking for my brother,” said Tiffany sharply.
“The horrible child who screams for candy all the time?”
The daisy stems parted and the boy Roland darted out and joined her under the leaf.
“Yes,” she said, edging away and feeling that only a sister has a right to call even a brother like Wentworth horrible.
“And threatens to go to the toilet if he’s left alone?” said Roland.
“Yes! Where is he?”
“That’s your brother? The one who’s permanently sticky?”
“I told you!”
“And you really want him back?”
“Yes!”
“Why?”
He’s my brother, Tiffany thought. What’s why got to do with it?
“Because he’s my brother! Now tell me where he is?”
“Are you sure you can get out of here?” said Roland.
“Of course,” Tiffany lied.
“And you can take me with you?”
“Yes.” Well, she hoped so.
“All right. I’ll let you do that,” said Roland, relaxing.
“Oh, you’ll let me, will you?” said Tiffany.
“Look, I didn’t know what you were, all right?” said Roland. “There’s always weird things in the forest. Lost people, bits of dreams that’re still lying around…you have to be careful. But if you really know the way, then I ought to get back before my father worries too much.”
Tiffany felt the Second Thoughts starting. They said: Don’t change your expression. Just…check.
“How long have you been here?” she asked carefully. “Exactly?”
“Well, the light doesn’t really change much,” said the boy. “It feels like I’ve been here…oh, hours. Maybe a day.”
Tiffany tried hard not to let her face give anything away, but it didn’t work. Roland’s eyes narrowed.
“I have, haven’t I?” he said.
“Er…why do you ask?” said Tiffany, desperately.
“Because in a way it…feels like…longer. I’ve only been hungry two or three times, and been to the…you know…twice, so it can’t be very long. But I’ve done all kinds of things…it’s been a busy day….” His voice trailed off.