Lauren loves the television at Billy’s. She sits alone watching it, huge and colourful in the living room, and it takes her into a world of Nickelodeon animation and American reality shows. She loves the strangeness of Americans. People who live in a universe of lie detectors and drug addiction and paternity tests. She likes watching shows about women with puffed, frozen faces who talk to similar women in restaurants about other women. There are large mansions and tiny dogs.

She doesn’t know how much time has passed when she turns around to see Kirsty sitting behind her on the sofa, laughing too, with Lewis on her lap.

‘Oh, she is not a happy bunny, is she?’

‘She found out that her sister lost her memory when they were skiing and has been keeping it a secret.’

‘Aye, that’s what she’s saying.’

‘I think she really did. Uh-oh. The mum’s not happy …’ They laugh, and toddler Lewis tries to laugh along too, not understanding.

Kirsty says, ‘Lauren. Are you going to be all right while we’re away?’

‘I’ll be fine, of course.’

‘Do you want us to bring you back some Minnie Mouse ears like last time?’

Lauren tries to suppress a smile. She looks down at her crossed legs and nods.

‘OK, I’ll add those to the list. You think your dad’ll want something? Maybe some Mickey Mouse ears for him?’

Lauren giggles.

‘Your dad knows you’re here, doesn’t he?’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘OK, just checking. We’ve got quite a few things left in the fridge unopened that’ll be going off while we’re away. Do you want to tell him to come round and pick them up maybe?’ She says this as Lewis tries to grab her hair and she brushes his small hands away.

‘OK.’

‘I found Billy upstairs playing Fifa, but I think he’s almost packed now. And I’m going to be making us tea soon. Would you like some?’

Lauren remembers her father lying up in his bed seeming as though he’d had too much to drink. ‘I think I should check my dad’s OK. He didn’t seem so well this morning.’

‘Oh, is that right?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Will he be making something for you to eat?’

‘Think so. Yeah.’

‘I’m going to make you a sandwich to take away home with you. In case you get hungry on the way, eh?’

‘Thanks.’

‘Is your dad keeping all right these days?’

‘Seems … fine.’

‘You’ll be OK while we’re away, won’t you?’

Lauren tries to brighten. ‘I’ll be just fine, Kirsty.’

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