‘Where’s Dean? Is he all right? Is he hurt?’

‘No, he’s fine. I didn’t mean to worry you. He’s just popped out into the garden, so I picked up his phone.’ There was a pause. ‘Louisa? Is that you?’

The years fell away. She began to shake and fought to keep hold of the phone.

‘It’s … I’m your … it’s your dad here. Are you all right? Sorry.’ Her father let out a long sigh. ‘Of course, you’re not. Shit. I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry about Maureen, about your mum. I wanted to get in touch. I thought about sending flowers or coming to the funeral, but I was worried I’d only make it worse … Are you still there?’

‘Yes.’

‘Dean turned up on my doorstep a couple of days ago. He was in such a state. So upset about … everything. He’s a smashing lad, isn’t he?’

‘Have you been here? To the house?’

‘Yes. I came over yesterday, to collect Dean. I was hoping that you might be home … He’s done your mum proud, hasn’t he? Dean, I mean … Christ, Lou, I don’t know what to say. I should have been there to see him grow up. I should have been there for you all. I shouldn’t have let it come to this. But you’re an adult now; you understand that relationships are … complicated. No, you don’t need to understand anything. It’s my fault.’

Children and adults began to laugh in the background. Lou recognised Dean’s voice. There was a pause, and the noise of a door closing. When her father next spoke, the echoing acoustics sounded like he had moved room. ‘Sorry. Dean was just outside with the kids and their new bikes. Listen, why don’t you come over? Michelle and the kids would love to meet you. I could pick you and Stephen up, and you could spend Christmas with us. I could be there in half an hour. No, you’ve probably got plans. Sorry … I’m not saying the right thing, am I? I’m not trying to fix things. I know I can’t do that. But I want to help you all. If I can. If it’s not too late. Are you still there?’

‘Yes.’

‘Do you want to talk to Dean?’

‘No. I … just tell him I phoned. No, don’t do that. Can you hide his phone? I need to tell him something but not over the phone. I don’t want him finding out through his texts.’

‘Sounds serious. Are you sure you don’t want to talk to him?’

‘No. Thank you.’

‘If you’re sure. Look, I’m dropping him home at about seven. Maybe we can have a proper chat then. But, Lou, if you need anything, you will call, won’t you. Anything at all.’

‘OK.’

‘Bye, then, Lou. Take care of yourself today, love.’

Lou dropped the phone. It landed amongst the shrivelled pepperoni and dried crusts. When she tried to take a swig from a half empty glass of whisky, it knocked violently against her teeth.