‘When I think what might’ve happened to you,’ Meggie said to us for the umpteenth time. After moving my crutches from where they were leaning against the kitchen table, she told me not to try and retrieve them myself, but to ask her to get them for me when I was ready to move. In between mouthfuls, Meggie kept giving both Libby and me spontaneous hugs. And I didn’t shrug her off or complain like I might’ve done just a few days ago.

I couldn’t believe that so little time had elapsed since Libby and I were grabbed and bundled into the back of that van. It felt like an eternity had passed, should’ve passed. I guess the world never stopped turning. It was what Nana Meggie called a life lesson. As she went off to get another carton of orange juice from the fridge, I took the opportunity to get a word in edgeways.

‘Are you OK?’ I asked Libby.

‘Are you sure your mum won’t mind me staying here for a while?’

‘Nana Meggie doesn’t mind, I don’t mind and Mum won’t mind – I guarantee it,’ I told her. ‘In fact, Mum will probably insist on it too, so just say thank you and then we can talk about something else. OK?’

‘OK.’ Libby smiled.

‘It’s not a big deal, Libby,’ I told her. ‘We’ve got more than enough space.’

‘I’ve already given you the bedroom next to Troy’s. There are fresh sheets on the bed and fresh towels in the bathroom.’ Nana Meggie placed an orange-juice carton on the kitchen table between me and Libby. She added, with a frown, ‘You two won’t be getting up to any hanky-panky, will you?’

Libby’s face whooshed red.

‘First of all, Nana, no one says hanky-panky any more. And, second, no, we most certainly will not. Libby and I are friends and nothing more,’ I said, putting her straight.

Honestly! Nana Meggie was so embarrassing. She had no filter. She just spoke her mind as she saw fit. ‘One of the few perks of being old,’ she always said.

‘Well, if you decide you want to be more than friends, remember to use contraception. No glove, no love,’ said Nana. ‘I’m sure I could find you the odd condom or two knocking about the house if you ask nicely.’

Libby’s face turned beetroot. My face was burning.

‘Oh. My. God! Nana, will you please stop?’

Nana cupped my face with one hand, pinching my cheek and giving me a kiss on the forehead. ‘You know I’m just teasing – though not about using contraception if things between you two head in that direction. Now, d’you two need anything else before I go back to bed?’

‘No, thank you,’ Libby mumbled politely.

‘No. Just go. Please,’ I begged.

With a chuckle, Meggie left the kitchen and headed back to her room.