He’d hung up before I’d had a chance to pick my jaw up off the floor.

So, all in all it wasn’t the best night’s sleep. Again.

By the time I’d found the energy to shower and drag myself downstairs, Nana Joy informed me that the rest of the family were already at the school hall.

‘The man with the swaggery shoulders has gone somewhere else but said he wouldn’t be long. The other man, with the sexy smile, gave him a lift.’

I made us a fresh pot of tea and buttered two slices of Mum’s banana bread.

‘Are you all ready for the show this evening?’ I asked, taking both pieces of bread for myself after Nana Joy wrinkled her nose up.

‘Which show is it tonight?’ she replied, frowning in concern. ‘Things have been so busy around here lately I’m starting to lose track. Hang on, I’ll call Bernice. She’ll know.’

‘No, Nana.’ Bernice was her agent and manager who had passed away fifteen years ago. ‘It’s the Charis House Christmas Spectacular, remember?’

‘Of course!’ She shook her head, the frown deepening. ‘I got a little muddled, there.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Sorrier than I could begin to express. I gave her a moment to recalibrate, then forced a deliberately bright tone. ‘What’s your song choice for the Spectacular?’

This she had no trouble remembering. ‘I’m going to do the first song I ever performed on stage. “I’ll be Home for Christmas”.’

‘That’s a lovely choice.’

‘And then whatever takes my fancy for the encore, depending on the feel of the crowd.’

‘Perfect.’

Nana Joy could make up a song on the spot and it would still blow our socks off.

‘It’s my swan song, did you know?’

I nodded, trying to wrestle back the smile and failing miserably.

‘Oh, don’t fret. It’s all right to be sad.’ She gave me a wry look. ‘I was one of the best! But everything has its time, and boy, did I make the most of mine.’ She reached out to pat my hand. ‘I travelled the world and performed with some of the greats. Oh, the things I’ve seen! Seventy years getting to do what I loved, and seeing all those people love it too. I can’t think of a better way to spend a life. But do you know what my favourite performance was?’

I knew my nana well enough to have a good guess.

‘The Charis House Christmas Spectacular. Our friends and supporters in the audience, rooting for us. Sharing the stage with all those children who for one night get to feel the magic of performing. Being up there with my family, who are my greatest legacy, outshining any show. Are you going to join me at my swan song, Beatrice?’

‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’

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