My phone rings just as I’m getting into the car once everyone has been picked up and wishes of merriment for the festive season have been shared with parents, childminders, bus drivers and taxi drivers, who all play their part in seeing the children home safe every day of the year. Even Patricia the lollipop lady, who rarely seems to have anything to smile about, has a string of tinsel around her generous waist and looks jolly despite the persistent drizzle of rain that hangs over the school yard.

‘Mam,’ I say, cradling the phone under my neck as I fasten my seatbelt. ‘How’s things? I’m just finished so—’

‘Well I know you’re just finished, that’s why I’m ringing,’ she sings down the phone. I know immediately it’s either good news or bad news. Mam never calls me just for the sake of it or for a cosy catch-up. ‘You’ll never believe it, but your friend, that nice doctor Jack Malone with the twinkly blue eyes, just called to say that Matthew is going to be able to come home for Christmas after all! We’re over the flippin’ moon, Charlotte!’

I don’t tell her that I’d an idea this would be the case. I knew this already from Jack, but I don’t want to burst her bubble. However, Mam has more to tell, an additional announcement that I didn’t know about.

‘But the best part of it all,’ she gasps, ‘is that it’s not just for Christmas, Charlotte! It’s for good! Almost a full year later to the day and my baby boy is coming home at last! This is going to be the best Christmas ever!’

My head falls back onto the headrest and I let tears of relief trickle down the sides of my face, thankful that the car windows are steaming up quickly so that no one can see my reaction. He’s coming home for good at last! The release of this moment is immense. The wait is over. Thank God the wait is over and we can all start properly rebuilding our lives, away from hospitals and appointments and the worry that has taken over our everyday conversations.

‘Oh Mam!’ is all I can say. ‘That’s such good news. It’s just what we’ve been hoping for and such perfect timing before Christmas. I’m so, so happy for you and Dad and Matthew! For all of us! This has been the longest year ever.’