I try to make a joke, but we both know how serious it is and Valentine nods, absorbing the information.

‘I imagine a lot of people have forgotten about them. Plus, even if he does remember, he won’t be able to identify you.’

‘But I saw his photograph.’

‘Yes, but I didn’t upload one of you or use your real name—’

‘I’m not ashamed of him, he’s my son.’ He cuts me off and turns to me, his jaw set determinedly.

‘No, I know.’

‘And I don’t want to try to forget the past. If Gisele’s disease taught me anything, it’s that.’ Shaking his head, he gestures towards the small garden of remembrance where Gisele’s ashes are scattered, his voice quietly filled with resolve. ‘That’s why I came here today. I owed it to her to tell her first . . . I want to contact him.’

I listen, but don’t say anything.

‘But I don’t want to cause any trouble. He might not want to know me. Not after all these years. So I was thinking . . .’

He doesn’t finish the sentence. For a moment it hangs there as he raises his eyes to mine.

‘Will you?’

Like with so many momentous choices in life, it’s made without fanfare. And as Valentine’s words disappear into the darkness, we remain there, sitting on the bench, savouring hot tea and sweet pastry. Lost in our thoughts of what’s to come, being lulled by the soft pattering of the rain on a pink polka-dot umbrella.

The Grand Opening

‘This place looks amazing! I wouldn’t recognize it!’

With her arms flung wide, Naomi is racing through every room in the house, showering me with compliments and exclaiming at every detail. ‘I love that old French chandelier in the kitchen. Are those gorgeous paintings the ones we found in the shed? Oh, wow, I can’t believe it’s the same garden!’ Her enthusiasm is exactly the reaction you want from a friend, whether it’s in response to a new hairstyle, or a dress, or a house renovation. Though in my case, it’s all three.

‘Danny, come look at Liv’s roll-top bath,’ she cries, bounding into the guest bedroom where her fiancé lies, dozing on the bed before we get ready to go out. ‘She found it in a field. It used to be a water trough for the cows! You’re gonna love it.’

‘Babe, do you have to emote so loudly?’ I hear him groan, before minutes later dutifully appearing at the doorway of the bedroom to inspect it.

It’s the dance tonight, to mark the opening of the village hall, and they’ve travelled up from London to stay for the weekend. Ellie has come too and Ben was right about converting the attic. She couldn’t have been more excited to discover her bed under the eaves, which I’ve strung with fairy lights, and is now firmly ensconced up there with Harry. The last time I looked, she was playing hairdressers and Harry was sitting there obediently, having his fur brushed and plaited.