As the evening moves on, eventually Nico gravitates back to be with his guest. I change seats and it isn’t long before Kellie appears, looking pleased with herself.

‘I have some news,’ she announces, discreetly, and nods in the direction of the kitchen.

Swinging open the door, she glances around to check we’re alone.

‘I’ve been talking with Pierce and Ceana. The Haven is going to pay for me to attend a couple of courses. The first one is a Crystal Healing Practitioner Diploma, which I’ll be doing online. If I pass that, then I’ll be going to Wimereux, on the coast, to attend the first module in Reiki Practitioner training. Isn’t that just brilliant?’

I can see that she’s buzzing. I can’t help wondering whether she’s told her parents, though. Considering they were so worried about her, they never did come over to see for themselves the sort of environment she’s in. But either way, she’s happy.

‘That’s wonderful news, Kellie, and you deserve it. I’m thrilled for you!’ I hug her, and she’s dancing on the spot.

‘Taylor thinks it’s the right thing for me, too. When we shut down for the three-week break next Christmas, he’s going back home, and he’s asked me to go with him. I said yes.’

Nine months is a long time, but I have a good feeling about the two of them. Age is just a number and in their particular case, it’s the tough life experiences they’ve managed to survive which puts them on an equal footing.

Suddenly she bursts out laughing, unable to contain her excitement. ‘My parents will freak out when I break the news. But I don’t care. My future is here, Fern, and I know that now.’

At that moment, Taylor’s head appears around the door and he shoots me a smile.

‘Hey, Fern. Kellie, I thought we were shooting off to grab our guitars and do a session?’

She pulls a face. ‘Oops, sorry, I forgot. Catch you later, Fern,’ Kellie says as she traipses out through the door, leaving me feeling ecstatic for her.

It’s wonderful to see her blossoming into a woman who is more self-assured and believes in her own worth. When good things happen to good people, it leaves such a warm feeling in your heart. Pierce gets things done, but it’s only now I’m beginning to understand why Nico brought him on board.

Nico treasures his time in the studio, but he needs to contrast that with the company of people around him. To become isolated is his worst fear because I sense a part of him connects that with his father. The slide into self-destructive mode which, sadly, can sometimes sit alongside great talent.