‘I’m not suggesting that, but maybe you can look at old photo albums together or something like that. Remind yourself of the good times before your wife was ill. Share happy memories as well as sad ones. She may not be with you physically any more, but you’re both carrying her in your hearts. Acknowledge that, and let her continue to be a part of your lives.’

He stares at me again, and I worry for a moment that I’ve overstepped the mark. But then his face softens.

‘Do you know,’ he says softly, ‘I think I’d like that. You’re very wise for your years, Tilly.’

I smile ruefully. He wouldn’t think that if he knew about my rift with Tash and my doubts about my boyfriend. Thankfully, my sudden melancholy is unexpectedly lifted by the arrival of Will.

‘Oh, hello. Tilly, isn’t it?’ he says when he sees me.

‘That’s right,’ I tell him, getting to my feet. ‘I was just checking in to see how your dad was doing.’

‘Is that part of the service?’ He looks uncertain.

‘No, but I was in the area,’ I lie. ‘How are you?’

‘Oh, you know.’ He runs a hand through his hair distractedly. ‘Worried about this one, obviously.’ He indicates his father on the bed, who harrumphs dismissively.

‘I’m doing fine,’ Mr Barwell huffs. ‘In fact, Tilly was just suggesting that we might like to look through some of the old photo albums when I’m released. How do you feel about that?’

Will suddenly looks like he might be about to cry. ‘I’d love that,’ he replies.

Sensing that I’m intruding on a possible breakthrough moment for them, I start to back out of the room. ‘I’ll leave you to it,’ I tell them. ‘It’s nice to see you looking so much better, Mr Barwell.’

‘Please, call me Jonathan. And thank you for dropping by, Tilly. I’ll be here for a while longer if the urge takes you again,’ Jonathan says with a smile.