‘She thought I was you. Trying to grab my wrist, all out of breath. “Wilbo! Wilbo! Listen to me,” she’s hissing, trying to pull me in close. I told her I’m Danny. She glares at me, saying how I have to go and get you. Hence the fucking phone calls.’

‘She’s awake! I thought she …’

‘She’s stronger than everyone thinks, bro.’

‘Fuck. That’s incredible. Do you think, like, she might be … pulling through this?’

‘Steady on, yeah? There’s more.’

‘Tell me.’

‘Couldn’t get hold of you, obviously, so I go home. When I get there, Mum gets a call from the hospital. Nain’s going fucking berserk. They’re saying they’re gonna have to up the sedation cos she’s a danger to herself.’

‘Jesus.’

‘I take Mum up the hospital. Nain’s screeching your name, Will. Trying to roll out of bed, tearing out all the wires and shit. Can’t hardly recognize her – face all angry, bulging eyes, the lot. Like she’s been possessed by demons. And we’re telling her to calm down and she won’t have it. “Where’s Will?” she keeps shouting. “Where’s Will?”’

‘Why?’

‘Fuck knows. We keep telling her you’re not answering your phone. But it just makes her worse. “Find him,” she’s saying. “Tell Will it happens tonight. Promise you’ll tell him. Tell him it’s happening tonight.”’

Will bites his lip. Are these the ramblings of a confused old lady, one who’s close to the end? Or is it possible there’s more to it?

‘She said you’d understand,’ Danny says. ‘It’s why I promised to come and find you.’

‘Shit.’

‘So do you? Do you understand what she means?’

‘No. Well … I don’t know. Maybe. No … no.’

‘She wouldn’t let anyone touch her till I swore to God I’d find you and give you the message.’

‘Thanks. For coming to tell me.’

‘Yeah, well …’ Danny shrugs.

‘Is she OK now?’

‘Mum just texted. She’s calmer.’

‘Should I come and see her, do you think? I should, shouldn’t I?’

Danny looks at the school building through the snow. ‘Big night for you, this, isn’t it?’

Will nods.

‘Had to listen to you practising the same mixes for weeks, haven’t I?’

‘Sorry.’

‘Look, she settled down when I promised I’d find you. Worn herself out, I expect.’

‘Yeah, but if she needs –’

‘Will,’ Danny says, grabbing both his wrists. ‘You’re very good to her. But tonight you gotta do your thing, yeah? I’ll let you know if there’s anything else.’

‘Thanks. That’d be really good.’

They look at each other in silence for a moment. Behind his brother, Will sees another group of uninvited guests scurry towards the hall.

‘We cool, yeah?’ Danny asks. ‘You and me?’

Will nods, heat in his eyes. ‘Sorry. About the other night.’