Another tear disappeared into the pillowcase. If he were to refuse to see her, then he would protect them both from the pain caused by the truth, and even though it meant he would never see her again, that was better than facing up to reality. And as he couldn’t trust himself not to say something out of place, the only choice he had was to cut her out of his life. The tears fell more freely now. He’d lost her, although in truth he’d already lost her many years ago, when he’d made a decision that would change their lives forever.

Olivia returned to Shirehampton full of tales of her trip to Scotland and her father’s ill health.

Beth proved to be an excellent listener and gave her honest opinion on the matter. ‘You’ve tried your best. I don’t think there’s any more you can do, and Ted’s idea to have a memorial in Liverpool is excellent. Trekking up to Glasgow wouldn’t have been feasible – at least this way, you can visit any time you want. And as for your father’s condition, who knows what’s going on inside that head of his? From the stories you’ve always told, this sounds very typical behaviour, although the paranoia is new.’

She glanced at the letter in Olivia’s hand. ‘Are you going to read it?’

Olivia nodded and began to read the letter out loud.