As I rummaged through my bag for the back-door key, I took another glance around my new garden, hoping it would help me to keep a grasp on the tendril of peace I’d found in the woods. I’d missed her before, but over in the farthest plot was the girl I’d seen last time I was here. She lay on her back on a pale blue blanket, angling a book above her to block out the glare of the sun. It was too far away to see clearly, but I’d recognise The Hobbit’s cover anywhere. A smart girl. Smiling, I unlocked the door, collected our things and set off to face down my own dragon.

It might seem downright deceitful that I’d already asked Karina to move in with my mother, but when over a coffee and a custard doughnut I’d first opened up about my Dream List dilemma, back in the beginning of March, she’d come right out and offered.

‘Karina,’ I’d replied with as much authority as I could muster, while at the same time wanting to fling my arms around her and shout YES PLEASE!, ‘I’ve just told you that Mum is a controlling, manipulating hypochondriac with massive abandonment issues. Did you understand what I told you about my Valentine’s Day date?’

‘Yes, I heard you.’ She beamed back at me. ‘But I’m not her daughter; she won’t have those issues with me. And have you understood what I told you about Mr Rivers? I can handle those kind of emotional fun and games, easy-peasy. She’s mostly a pleasant person, yes?’

I nodded. ‘Well, yes, but I don’t know how she’d react to me moving out. She might end up having a breakdown.’

‘Well, then we’ll have to prepare her for it, won’t we? Show her that she can have a life of her own, without you, and lead her up to it gently.’ She looked at me steadily. ‘Ollie, you saved my life. You gave me the key that opened the door to my own Dream List. To be able to use a cashpoint, or write a birthday card. I used to avoid cafés like this one because reading the menu filled me with dread. This is the least I can do to repay you.’

‘Helping you learn to read is my job, Karina. I’ve already been paid for that.’

She shook her head vigorously. ‘No. Any reading coach would have done that. But you did so much more. You gave me the confidence to believe I was worth it. In choosing me, stupid, lost little me, as your friend, you helped give me the power to change my life. I won’t sit back when I can help you do the same.’