‘Good, so butt out.’ She yawned, suddenly and violently, Katelin-style; this was way past her ideal bedtime. ‘God, I’m knackered,’ she said. ‘I’m for my bed.’ She started up the stairs and said, without looking back, ‘Keep it down, won’t you?’

‘I’ll use headphones,’ Dan said. ‘You’ll not hear a peep.’

‘Oh, and let the dog out for a pee.’

‘On my way.’

‘And don’t leave the lights on.’