She rolled her eyes at me. ‘I doubt it. He didn’t show much empathy about the Parkinson’s so I don’t think he’ll give a damn about a couple of instances of forgetfulness.’

‘But it hasn’t just been a couple of instances.’

‘It has.’

‘It hasn’t, Mum. There was the thing with your knickers at Dad’s funeral and you put Logan’s football boots in the oven and a cauliflower somewhere else. You couldn’t find my birthday card, and then you talked about going to the lido on South Bay and now… What?’

Mum was looking at me, head cocked to one side, a bewildered expression on her face. ‘I admit to the knickers and the birthday card, but I think Logan’s winding you up about his football boots and the cauliflower. And I have no idea what you mean about the lido. I think it might be you who’s having memory problems, not me.’ She winced as she pulled herself to her feet. ‘I’m going to have to call it a night. Are you okay to lock up?’

‘I thought you’d already done that earlier.’

She frowned and shrugged. ‘No harm in double-checking, is there?’

I smiled back and tried to keep my voice light. ‘No. No harm at all. I’ll check. Night, Mum.’

‘Night, Jemma-bear.’

I pressed my head against the sofa cushions with my eyes closed, listening to her slowly pull herself up the stairs while my heart broke into a thousand pieces. It was getting worse. She’d locked up. Definitely. She’d announced she was going to do it after we’d eaten. We’d even had a conversation about whether she’d rather put her feet up while I did it, but she’d insisted that exercise – no matter how little – helped her. I’d watched her head out to the back. Unless she’d got distracted…

I picked up our mugs and headed into the kitchen diner. The sliding doors to the deck were not only unlocked, they were partially open. Oh God! It was worse than I thought.

✉︎ To Tiff

Getting more worried about Mum by the minute. If you’re sure that your new pal Dr Jones doesn’t mind meeting with me outside of work, I’d really appreciate it. Can do any night next week except Monday. Thanks xx

✉︎ From Tiff

Crap! Sorry to hear it. He’s happy to meet you. I don’t think he gets out and about much. It’ll do him good xx

✉︎ To Tiff

He doesn’t think it’s a date, does he?

✉︎ From Tiff

Panic not. He’s got a fiancée. He’s just being friendly and helpful

✉︎ To Tiff

Phew! Thanks. Really appreciate it xx

✉︎ From Tiff