‘Weird. Tommy, did you turn the gas on?’

He looks down guiltily.

‘When? In the middle of the night?’

‘Couldn’t sleep. Jiminy Crickets in my chest.’

‘It’s not safe to do that, you know?’

He bites down on his bottom lip.

‘Did you light the clicker?’

‘Couldn’t make it happen.’

‘So you tried?’

He looks miserable, fighting the tears. I ruffle his hair, go to find the supply button at the back of the oven. Must remember to turn it off at the mains every night now. And hide every lighter in this house.

‘It’s ok, darling, just don’t do it again.’

Herbie goes outside, straight to a potted plant, long dead, cocks his leg and does a loud, insistent piss. Marmie stands by, patiently waiting for her turn to climb into the pot and crouch and permeate his scent with hers.

The kettle is boiling when David walks in in his boxers.

‘Freezing in here. Would you mind closing that door?’

‘We need the air.’

‘What’s that’s smell?’

‘Would you mind putting something on, David?’

‘Sorry, half asleep, forgot the little fella was here.’

Oh yes, and what was that display about last night, then?

He goes back into the lounge, dresses.

‘Cornflakes, Tommy?’

‘Yes please,’ he says, all polite and accurate.

‘Do you take cow’s milk now, honey? David has put some in the fridge.’

He shakes his head vehemently. I haven’t lost him completely.

‘What’s that pizza-man doing here, Yaya?’

‘He’s a friend, Tommy. Just a sleepover.’

‘Can I go to school?’

I struggle for air. I couldn’t help but notice his uniform all neatly ironed and folded in amongst his things.

‘Lovely day,’ David says, walking back into the kitchen.

‘Yes. We’re going to get ready and visit Grandad,’ I say.

‘You sure he’ll want that, Sonya?’

‘Of course he will. He’ll be delighted to see Tommy, won’t he, Munchkin?’

‘Gandad?’

‘Don’t want to raise the lad’s hopes.’

What exactly does he know that I don’t? A flash of Father giving him his business card that day. Would David have called him? Has there been money exchanged?

Paranoia, Sonya. Tiredness does this; brings on the big guns.

‘We’ll call him first, won’t we, T?’

David refills the kettle, flicks the switch.

‘We’re going to go have a shower. Let yourself out.’

‘What? Are you throwing me out without my coffee? You know I don’t function without my morning coffee.’ He winks at me.

I wonder at this display of overfamiliarity in front of Tommy.

‘Help yourself,’ I say. ‘Chat later, ok? I’m sure you’ve a busy day planned.’

He opens the cupboards loudly, clanging the mug on the counter. Doesn’t he have to be somewhere? It’s worrying the amount of time he has on his hands.

I look at Tommy, a protective rage rising in me. ‘Will we go for that shower?’

‘Ok.’ Someone must have gotten him used to this.

‘Well, lovely to meet you, Tommy. I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of each other.’ David salutes at him.