I opted for beer, given that the sun was starting to probe through the murk. I was tipping one of the giant bags of crisps that Pia had left in my cupboard into a bowl when Sam found me.

‘How are you holding up?’ he asked, brow furrowed with concern. His voice was so kind and gentle that all my determination to appear competent melted into a sudden rush of tears that, once they’d started, wouldn’t seem to stop.

‘Come here,’ he muttered, pulling me up against him and enfolding me in his solid arms. He was wearing a soft grey T-shirt, and my face ended up pressed against the bare skin above his collar. It was warm and smooth and smelt like sawdust and summertime.

I kept my arms awkwardly against my sides, but honestly, I could have fallen asleep inside that hug, I felt so safe and comfortable. Well, apart from the electricity crackling beneath my skin.

‘I’m sorry,’ I sniffled, eventually pulling back and wiping my face on the sleeve of my own T-shirt, until Sam handed me a tissue. ‘I always get overemotional when I’m tired.’

He frowned. ‘I think, all things considered, that this was probably the right amount of emotion.’

That made me smile, which brought out his dazzling grin again, instantly pushing back the shadows.

Sam listened while I went over the past week, grimacing in sympathy when I described finding Leanne unconscious, raising his eyebrows when I explained how I was determined to continue caring for Joan until Leanne was well enough to.

‘That’s a huge commitment for someone you’ve only known a couple of months.’

I took a sip of beer. ‘I know. But I’ve seen her six days a week for most of that. Cooked her meals, helped with homework projects.’ I paused, shrugged. ‘I love her like a niece, if I had one. Which I won’t, being an only child. Maybe sometimes families are made, not born. Leanne and Joan need a family. It doesn’t feel like a burden to be that for them. It feels like the most natural thing I could do.’

‘So is the Dream List on hold?’ Sam asked, one corner of his mouth creasing up.

‘It’s not. My dear best friend has helped me realise that if this is going to work, I need to find a way to balance being a stand-in parent with my own plans.’

‘So what’s next?’ Sam leant forwards, interested.

‘The biggest and scariest thing on the list.’

‘Bigger and scarier than camping alone in the forest?’ Sam looked impressed.

‘Yes.’ I took another swig of beer. ‘A party.’

‘Ah, I see.’ He nodded, eyes dancing. ‘I’m guessing you’ve never organised a party before?’

I shook my head. ‘I’ve hardly been to a party before. I don’t even know where to start.’