‘I know, Dad. God, that’s disgusting.’ Or words to that effect. Annie was better at it. She’d offered to buy Callum some condoms but he’d looked horrified and said he didn’t need them, but he’d be sure to let her know when he did. Joe got into the car and drove away with the intention of driving somewhere remote. But as he left the main road, he decided to call on Fred to see how he was holding up. One of the reasons he’d begun arguing with Annie in the first place was that she’d asked him to stay away from Fred and Sandra. He’d said it was a ludicrous suggestion and they would need friends more than ever now.

The sky shone orange and shadows grew longer and longer each day. His journey took him under the canopies of Blencathra and Skiddaw: two of his favourite mountains. It irked him that his own wife called him a foreigner and a fake. He lived and breathed these valleys and fells.

He pulled up outside Fred’s house. The pretty cottage exuded charm and contentment. Sandra was the one who answered the door and he noticed her face change dramatically at the surprise. It had been slack, sparkle-less and drained. Now, her eyes flashed with enthusiasm, she stood taller, and her face came alive.

‘Joe! What a lovely surprise! Come in!’ She was emphatic and warm, and Joe smiled, happy with his decision. She fussed over him and bombarded him with questions. One thing she didn’t mention was Mary.

‘How’s Fred?’ he asked. The shadow that had haunted her face earlier returned and she wrung her hands.

‘Not good. It’s a terrible shock. It’ll take time. They were very close, and she was such a gentle spirit.’

Joe knew that Sandra used the word spirit in its purest sense: the essence of a human. It was true. The little he knew of Mary suggested nothing else.

‘Can I see him?’

‘Of course! Fred! Joe is here to see you.’ She led him into the front room and they found Fred going to stand up, and damning his aching knees. He’d clearly been sat for a while. Fred outstretched his hand.

‘Joe! It’s good to see you. Good heavens, I’m sorry about that business on Sunday. Shocking. I hope Annie and the boys weren’t too upset.’

‘They’ll be fine. I came to see how you both are. I know you were great friends.’

‘We were. I still can’t believe she’s gone. I just can’t understand it.’

‘Sometimes these things can be random. It could have been an intruder who didn’t expect her to be there.’

Fred shook his head. ‘Perhaps you’re right. Anyone who knew her couldn’t have done it.’

‘Can I get you some tea?’ Sandra fulfilled her role as hostess, Joe accepted gratefully, and she disappeared.