My father was going to become a writer. I thought it was wonderful. He was energised about the thought that he was going to be a grandfather. He started by taking the car out more, going to the club, hanging out with his old law buddies, talking late into the night over whisky. He started dressing properly again, in tailored shirts and leather brogues; he made an effort, more than he had made in years. His eyes sparkled again and once after I was ready to leave, he reached out for me and gave me a gentle hug.

Your mother, she would have been so happy…so, so happy, Del.

I hugged him back tightly, my belly pressing into him, my heart leaping for joy. How the eminent birth of my child had transformed my father. How the years of sadness had fallen away, and given us the possibility of new life again.

I should not have driven that night but I did.

Sumi needed to talk about the state of her relationship with Fairman and we decided to meet at a café in Bangsar. I was two weeks away from my due date but I wanted to see her, wanted to carry on the way I had been throughout the pregnancy. Being active was part of the plan, right until the baby was on her way out.

The café was crowded and full of boisterous teenagers eating cake and drinking sparkling wine. It was a trendy-looking French-fusion bistro which specialised in desserts, with comfy leather seats, chrome and marble furniture and Art Nouveau prints on the walls. The teens looked like they were back from summer holidays. Rich kids with fancy handphones, coloured hair and new accents.

We found a quiet table in a corner and as I tried to sit down, Sumi remarked, Jesus, you’re huge!

Tell me about it. I feel like a beached whale.

I had peppermint tea. She had white wine. After one sip she blurted out that they were at a point in their relationship where it was either going to lead to marriage or a prolonged cohabitation with no end in sight.

So how?

He hasn’t mentioned it, but I have a feeling that it will come up soon.

Why don’t you mention it?

I don’t know. I guess I still believe in courtship.

Are you happy?

Yeah. I think we’re really meant for this. Never thought I’d love again. I think I want kids…

Does he?

Yeah… He talks to Omar a lot. You know, about the future.

Really?

Yeah, it’s good that they can talk.

It’s important.

So Del, what do I do? I need to know where I stand!

You don’t want to seem desperate, so just wait a bit more.

For how long? Maybe he’s not sure.

I really doubt that. You guys are good. Just give it some time. Trust him.