‘Some days are better than others.’

‘And that’s what you’ve got to remember when you’re having a day like today. That they’re not all like this. Now, go and get a cup of tea and a biscuit and have a bit of a break whilst we read to Lola.’

Kate’s eyes are glossy and I want to reach out and give her a big hug. I settle for the kind of smile that I’ve had from so many people over the years, one full of pity, and I’m well aware how inadequate it is.

When I walk into the lounge, Arnold is busy unloading the books and Lola is sitting on the sofa, her arms folded. On the surface it might look like she isn’t interested in us being here, but the TV is off today and she’s watching Arnold like a hawk as he places the books on the floor in front of her, telling her the titles as he goes.

‘How did you get on with the book you had last week, Lola?’ I ask, sitting down on a stool beside Arnold.

She doesn’t reply but she picks it up from the side of her.

‘Would you recommend it to any other boys and girls?’

She nods once.

‘That’s good. We’ll put that on our thumbs-up pile then. Any ideas what you’d like to read today?’

She looks at the selection that Arnold has put in front of her, but she doesn’t move towards any of them.

‘How about this? It’s about two witch sisters; one’s supposed to be good and one’s bad,’ says Arnold.

She doesn’t shake her head, so he starts to read, using his best funny voices.

For the next story, she points with her foot to another book on the floor and I pick it up and start to read it.

We manage to read her four books. I can tell she’s listening and I have to remind myself that that’s good enough.

We say our goodbyes to her and to Kate, and I climb in the car feeling deflated.

‘Do you think we’re doing more harm than good? I mean, maybe it’s too soon to be going to see her,’ I say.

‘I think if she didn’t want us to be there she wouldn’t stay in the room and she wouldn’t take the books,’ says Arnold. ‘Just like with adults in life, sometimes the people who need you there the most are the ones who don’t say that they do.’

I close my eyes, letting his wise words wash over me.

‘I just wish there was more I could do to help.’

‘I know. But all we can do is keep on reading and hoping that next week will get a little bit better. You could always talk to her about your mum?’