‘I did okay. I went to college eventually and got into the building trade. Anyway, about two years before Gran died, she took me on holiday to Cornwall. It was the only proper holiday we ever had. She’d always wanted to see a Moon Garden, so that’s where we went. I’ll never forget it. It was a warm night and there was a lemony sherbet smell in the air. Gran said it was from the flowers that only bloomed in the dark. The eerie light of the full moon illuminated all the silvery-leafed plants and a massive circle of glowing white angel’s trumpets and moonflowers. Right in the centre was this fairy, sculpted from wire, blowing dandelion seeds and tinkling bells hung up across branches laden with white cherry blossom. It was an unbelievable sight, so magical.’

‘Sounds beautiful. It must have looked quite ghostly too. I’ve heard of a few plants used in night gardens, like evening primrose, night phlox and silver sage. But moonflowers are really special because they stay tightly shut during the day and only start to open their massive white flowers at dusk.’

‘It was a pilgrimage for Gran. She’d saved up for years to go there.’

‘She sounds like a very special lady.’

He nodded. ‘You’d have loved her.’ He stroked her face with his fingers. ‘I’ve never told anyone all this stuff before.’

‘Then I’m very privileged. I feel like we’ve known each other for years.’

‘Yeah, me too.’ They really clicked. She made him feel comfortable in his own skin. For once he didn’t have to pretend to be a hard nut. He could show his softer side and be himself with her more than anyone he’d ever known.

‘You’re one of the only people I know who understands how rewarding and soothing for the soul gardening is, getting your hands dirty, digging into the earth, planting and watching things grow. We may not realise it, but we all draw comfort from the cycle of the seasons.’

‘And the moon’s.’

‘Exactly. We all need those certainties in life. Gardening is about the only thing that’s kept me sane over the past few years.’ She gave a nervous laugh.

He gently pulled her closer to him. She’d been through a shit time the same as he had. No wonder they understood each other. They both gazed up at the sky. How amazing to meet someone who was interested in the same things as him. You’d have loved her, Gran. No doubt at all.