I shake my head, I don’t have a clue. The doctor explains that it’s a surgical procedure to insert a little balloon-like contraption that inflates to open his arteries.

‘We’re going to do it at some point today or tomorrow. I’m not sure yet on schedules, but we’ll keep you posted. I should explain that there are some risks, as there are with most procedures, but you still need to be aware of them. When we know more about when the surgery will be, we’ll talk you and Mr Porter through this all, but I just wanted to keep you in the loop.’

‘Can we see him?’ I ask.

‘Yes, he’s having some tests done at the moment, but I’ll get a nurse to come and fetch you when they’re finished.’

‘Thank you,’ says Julie. When he’s left, she turns to me, wiping under her eyes. ‘That’s good news, isn’t it?’

‘I think so.’ I nod slowly, trying to process it all. ‘It sounds like they caught it in time at least.’

‘Yeah, that’s what I thought.’

I sit down on one of the plastic chairs and hang my head in my hands.

Claire rubs my back. ‘I’ll go get us some coffees, OK?’

She heads out and I let out a deep breath. Julie walks over and sits next to me.

‘I’m glad you’re here,’ I say, biting my lip. I feel a little guilty that I haven’t taken up Dad’s offers to get to know her sooner.

‘You are?’

‘Yes, it’s nice to know that I’m not alone. We can support each other.’

I notice Julie’s hands trembling in her lap.

‘Dad will pull through, he always does. And we’re going to get through this, OK?’

She nods.

‘I know it hasn’t been an easy time for you, with me dating your dad, but I really do care for him. It might have only been a few months, but he makes me so happy and it just feels right.’

Dad’s a lucky man to have a woman like Julie in his life. I can’t help but think of Joel. He’s the only person who has made me feel truly connected with someone.