His appearance may be changing each time I see him but somewhere in there is still my big brother, still the one we all looked up to.

‘I was thinking,’ he continues. ‘Wouldn’t it be a great idea if we were to take Mam and Dad on a summer holiday next year, just the five of us? Well, Kevin too, I suppose, as he’s family now,’ says Matthew. ‘It’s their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary this year and I think after all the crap we’ve been through over the past while, it might be something to look forward to? As a family?’

I almost choke on my drink in delight. ‘I love it!’ I tell him.

‘You really think so?’

He’s showing so much hope for the first time in ages. He’s making plans. He’s excited about something once and for all. I lean across and hug him.

‘That’s the best idea ever!’ I say to him, and I really mean it. ‘Let’s get onto Emily and Kevin and we’ll surprise Mam and Dad with all the detail on Christmas Day. Is that what you’re thinking?’

‘Exactly,’ he agrees. ‘You know, Charlotte, I remember when I was just a nipper how Mam used to stand at the kitchen sink and say that if she ever came into money, she’d love to take us all to see the pyramids in Egypt. Now I know it will take a lot of money, but if we booked it for, say, August, it would give us all eight months to save the fare and some spending money. Does that sound OK?’

He has thought it all through and it’s breaking my heart in two.

‘That sounds absolutely spot on, Matthew! Oh, look at you! You’re looking so much brighter,’ I tell him. ‘How are you feeling? Are you coping any better these days? You definitely look like you are.’

He stares at his pint for a second and then breaks into a smile.

‘Well, the truth is I’m feeling stronger, yes. I’ve met someone, Charlotte,’ he reveals to me, circling his finger on the top of the glass, and his face instantly brightens. ‘Would you believe that I’ve managed to find another music type, just like me, who was visiting relatives here in the back of beyond? We started as friends, and it’s still early days, but it’s given me a whole new lease of life. We’re thinking of starting up a folk club here in the pub once a month. Don’t laugh, I know I’m a rocker at heart, but I’m excited. At long last I’m excited about something.’

I lift my drink and clink my glass against his with tears in my eyes.