‘For cancer or . . .?’

‘Cancer, yes. That’s how I know how tough it can be for everyone involved. But you’re showing up, and that’s what matters.’

We’re almost at the hospital entrance, but he’s still holding back. I rack my brains. What do I wish someone had told Andrew and me at the beginning?

‘The other thing is . . . when you’re supporting someone, there are times when they’re the strong one and you’re vulnerable.’

‘She’s way stronger than I am. She’s beyond brave.’

She? His wife? His mother? ‘No one can be brave all the time. If you tell her you’re scared, it could free her up to admit she is too. Honesty will get you through this.’

‘Honesty is overrated.’

I hear a sharpness in his voice, maybe even self-loathing. ‘Well, you’ve been pretty honest with me just now and it seems to have helped. Listen, I don’t know anything about you. I don’t even know your name.’

‘Dan.’

‘OK, Dan. I’m Gemma. So we only met minutes ago, but it’s completely clear to me how much you want to do this. To be there for this person you care about, so they understand they’re not alone.’

Dan stares at me, like he’s about to run. I wouldn’t blame him. First I gawp at him like a love-struck teenager, next I’m giving him an impromptu TED Talk. It must be the heat, or perhaps the artificial hormones I’ve started taking.

‘I’m way too late,’ he says.

‘Only a couple of minutes.’

‘No. I’m twelve years too late.’

The drama beckons me again. Part of it is nosiness. But also: I don’t want to let him go before I know where I can find him again.

Where did that thought come from? OK, I need to move on before I do something weird. Say goodbye now, then walk away.

‘Trust me. It’s never too late to be there for somebody.’ That wasn’t what I was expecting to say. ‘I could come in with you, Dan, if it’d help?’ Neither was that.

Dan turns to look at the unit and, as he does so, those incredible eyes light up and his face softens into the most astonishing smile. ‘She waited. She’s still there.’ He turns back to me and the intensity of his gaze makes my pulse race again. ‘Thank you, Gemma, for being kind.’

‘I’m happy I could help.’ I peer through the glazed doors into the lobby, curious to see the woman this amazing man cares about so deeply.

And instantly all the warmth drains away.

The woman he’s meeting isn’t a woman at all.

It’s Casey. The new patient at hospital school, the scared girl with the grey-violet eyes.

The child whose father never wanted to know her, until now.

Chapter 8: Dan

Casey looks tiny, dwarfed by this enormous building.

I rush towards the glass doors. She’s had to hang around on her own and I don’t want her to wait a second longer.