‘Pretty,’ I agreed, chucking my bag on a chair and leaving it at that. And neither of them asked me for more, for which I was grateful. As far as they were concerned, it was over. Done and dusted. All ties were severed and honour was perceived to have been done with Michael’s family. As I sank into the white wine my father handed me and then down on to the sofa, I tried not to imagine their shock and horror when they realized it was just the beginning.

‘We’re so glad you’re back in daylight, darling,’ said my mother, hovering over me. She was actually focusing on me too, I realized, through clean and up-to-date spectacles. ‘Because we’re dying to show you the cottage. It’s come on leaps and bounds.’

‘Bring your drink,’ said Dad excitedly. I noticed he was also still on his feet. He rubbed his hands together. ‘If you’re not too tired? Long day?’

‘No, no, I’d love to.’ It was the very last thing I wanted to do. I just wanted to lie down on my bed upstairs, shut my eyes and think. ‘But just let me change my shoes.’

‘Here.’ Like a magician, Mum produced some wellies from behind the sofa. They were hers and therefore tiny, but I took off my heels and somehow squeezed my tired feet into them. As I heaved myself up and put my drink aside, I realized they were already waiting for me in the hall. I raised a smile, and my game, and together we traipsed across; or at least I did. My parents were practically skipping with excitement. They’d rhapsodized about daylight, but it had almost gone, so I fished out my phone and used my torch. I steadied Mum as she attempted to gambol ahead, gambolling not being her speciality.

‘Easy,’ I warned, as she nearly tripped over a tree root.

‘Shut your eyes,’ she commanded as we got to the front door. Dad was already opening it, and reaching for the light switch inside.

I did as I was told. She led me in and I could hear her excited breathing in my ear. I hadn’t been in here for a few days. Aware the builders were extremely busy, I’d just left a tray of tea outside with a shout to Jerry. Clearly, those days had been pivotal. I knew all the cement mixers and building equipment had been removed because I’d seen them outside on the lawn. I also knew the joiner and the plasterer had arrived because I’d seen their vans.

‘Da-dah!’ sang my father. ‘Open your eyes!’