However, as is often the case, time proved to be a healer and we slowly came to accept the new order of things. In fact, apart from the fact that the adults changed their sleeping arrangements, you’d struggle to notice that anything was different. Both houses still have an open-door policy. Tash and I have often speculated whether there was, and possibly still is, some wife-swapping going on, but have always agreed that there are some things it’s better not to know.

Tash calls back as I’m getting ready for bed. ‘I spoke to Brett. He and Maria went last weekend so we’re in the clear. I’ll call Mum in the morning.’

‘Thanks. Sleep well. Love you.’

‘Love you too.’

* * *

I don’t normally see Mike in the morning if I’m working a day shift at the weekend, as I’m usually out of the flat by seven so that I have plenty of time to get to the hospital and change before I start work. Mike has been known to fall out of bed less than thirty minutes before he’s due to be at his desk, but I’m not a last-minute merchant and the idea of starting the day without a long, hot shower is unthinkable.

I’m therefore a little surprised to see his bedroom door open as I’m waiting for the toaster to spit out my breakfast, but the mystery is soon solved when a woman appears, wearing one of Mike’s T-shirts and, from what I can see, not much else.

‘Good morning,’ I say brightly. I’m so used to seeing strange women coming out of Mike’s room that I can treat it as an entirely normal occurrence.

‘Hi,’ she says without a hint of embarrassment. ‘Mike is still asleep, but I’m an early riser so I thought I’d come and make a cup of coffee. I’m Sarah, by the way.’

‘Tilly,’ I tell her as I grab the toast and start spreading butter on it. ‘Short for Matilda. I’m Mike’s flatmate.’

‘I know.’ She smiles. ‘He told me all about you.’

‘None of it’s true, I assure you. Would you like a hand with the coffee machine? It’s a typical man gadget, so there’s a bit of a trick to it.’

‘Are you sure you have time? You look like you’re in a hurry.’

‘It’s fine. The traffic is always quieter on a Saturday,’ I tell her as I put water into the back of the machine and turn it on, before opening the cupboard where Mike keeps his coffee pods. ‘What would you like?’

‘Just a normal coffee with milk, please.’

I smile. ‘The one thing this machine isn’t really capable of doing. OK, we’ll do two shots of espresso and top it up with hot water. How does that sound?’