Dorothy hadn’t believed it when Thomas told her a few days ago that Jacob was dropping charges against Amy. But the more she thought about it, the more it made a weird kind of sense. Then Jacob called her yesterday, and his reasoning confirmed what she’d guessed. He was lonely, needed help around the house. She was homeless, needed an address to get her Job Seeker’s Allowance and on the housing list. She was welcome to stay with him for now.

He certainly seemed happy enough with the arrangement, sitting at the kitchen table with a cheese sandwich in front of him. There was another sandwich across from him, and two full wine glasses on the table.

‘Sorry, you’re eating,’ Dorothy said.

‘Nonsense,’ Jacob said. ‘Sit.’

‘Can I get you anything?’ Amy said, coming past her into the kitchen.

Dorothy shook her head and looked at them both.

‘So this is really happening?’

Jacob shrugged, pulled a tiny piece of bread and cheese from his sandwich. ‘Looks like it.’

Amy took a bite of her sandwich, then a large glug of wine.

‘This doesn’t seem weird to either of you?’

Jacob made a face. ‘Less weird than a lot of other families.’

Dorothy supposed that was true.

‘What about trust?’ she said to Jacob. ‘She stole from you.’

Amy had the good grace to wince at her words.

‘Only out of necessity,’ Jacob said.

‘And I’ll pay him back,’ Amy said, mouth full of food. ‘Once I get on my feet.’

Dorothy nodded to herself, watched them eat.

‘And how does your daughter-in-law feel about this?’

Jacob grinned. ‘She hates it. Which is an added bonus.’

Amy got up and lifted a tote bag from behind the table.

‘Here are your cameras,’ she said, handing it over.329

‘And here’s your cheque,’ Jacob said, sliding it across the table. ‘Thank you so much, for everything.’

Amy nodded. ‘Yes. Thank you.’

Dorothy picked up the cheque and hoisted the bag on her shoulder, then lifted her eyes to the ceiling for a moment and turned to go.

‘I’ll see myself out,’ she said.

Middle Meadow Walk was busy with students, mums, office workers, people getting on with life. A young woman and her parents walked past, her in bright, baggy clothes and large-rimmed glasses, the parents in Berghaus fleeces and comfy shoes. Dorothy thought about her daughter and granddaughter, all they carried with them in the world.

She spotted Thomas, steady, confident walk. He was in a fitted grey suit, no tie. She rose from her seat and accepted his kiss on the cheek as he sat. He’d taken her hand when they kissed, and still held it.

‘How are you?’ he said, more than just small talk.

‘I’m OK.’