Janey gave a shriek as a wave threatened to engulf her and instinctively turned her back on it. As she did, she saw me, up on the cliff top. She waved madly. Then she put her finger to her lips, tilted her head to one side and put her hands under it, like a pillow, pointing at Tommy. I nodded and smiled broadly and gave her a thumbs up in recognition. Then I pantomimed taking a hat off my head and putting it over his face. She got it immediately. She nipped out of the water, up the shore, and very gently, and rather tenderly, I thought, put his faded blue country club cap which was lying beside him over his face. He didn't stir. Then she gave an elaborate, despairing shrug as she regarded his bare arms and legs. We'd become a pair of mime artists. Suddenly she imitated having a brainwave, finger raised in the air. Very gently, she draped a towel over his bare legs and then her own T-shirt and shorts over his arms. She stood back and admired her handiwork. I gave her a silent clap and she swept an elaborate curtsy back. I laughed softly and walked on.

Back at the cottage, the front door was ajar, which was odd, but not unheard of. We certainly never locked it, having nothing to steal but our phones which were on us, so I went in thinking it was probably Babs’. The little sitting room was cool and dark at this time of day. As I shut the door behind me, my phone beeped with a text. I retrieved it from my pocket.

“Are you about?”

It was Peter. But as I turned from the door I simultaneously saw him through the French windows in the garden, feet up on the table, texting away.

"I'm right here!" I called through the house with a laugh, delighted. I'd been wondering when I might steal a moment with my son, and this was perfect. Celia out, just Peter and me in the garden.

"Oh good!" he called back, flashing me a quick grin but not actually pausing from texting. Clearly he had people to talk to other than me. "I was just about to give up."

I came out and planted a kiss on the top of his distracted head and ruffled his hair. He submitted docilely enough. "Haven't seen you for ages!" I told him in a scolding voice. I had, but properly was what I meant.

"I know, I was just thinking the same." He glanced up from his text. "Got any food, Mum?"

I laughed. Always hungry. And yes, actually. I missed lunch so I bought some crab on the way back. “Sandwich?"

"Please. And more than one. I'm starving."