‘Oh, I do. When you realize it’s been going on for years and that every single memory you have has been compromised, it is possible to hate, which is a blessing. I wouldn’t want to be moping around feeling sad.’

‘True,’ I agreed. ‘I’d hate to feel sad, and I don’t. I feel …’

‘Liberated?’

I blinked. He was smiling, eyes crinkling. Hair dark and rumpled. Specs on the counter as he made coffee. Quite handsome.

‘Yes. Definitely. Until I’m reminded of him again, then I sink. He was a bully,’ I told him helpfully.

‘Ah.’ He passed me a mug. ‘And why should you be reminded of him?’

I told him about Amanda and the memorial service. I don’t know why I did, but on the other hand, why not? It was the only thing on my mind and I’d always worn my heart on my sleeve. I wasn’t about to stop now, just because I didn’t know him. In fact it was easier, not knowing him. Like talking to a hairdresser. Which was perhaps why he’d talked candidly to me. He listened.

‘Oh no, you don’t have to do that. You’re the wife.’

‘Really? I mean – legally, or something?’ I said hopefully.

‘Well, I don’t know about legally, but if neither you nor the children want it, I don’t see how she can force your hand.’

‘Watch her,’ I said grimly, sinking into my coffee.

He was observing me. ‘Another bully?’

‘Runs in the family,’ I muttered.

He nodded. ‘Well, just – hold your nerve. Tell her your memories are unhappy and you don’t want to glorify him.’

I almost reached for a pen in my bag to jot it down, but managed not to. ‘Yes. Yes, I will. Anything else?’ I asked anxiously.

He smiled. ‘Well, I didn’t know him. But was he very religious?’

‘God, no. Not in the least.’

‘Well then, say he’d have hated it. Went against all his principles, or something. Good heavens, you’re right, it has gone off.’ He cocked his head and listened. Silence.

‘It does. But if I’m honest, it’s more like fifteen minutes than five, and if I’m totally honest, one in about a dozen times it doesn’t. The trick is to turn it on and off quickly, then put the radio on loud, or have a bath. By the time you realize it’s irritating and go to switch it off – the ticking has stopped. Usually. Otherwise keep the radio on.’