As I walk into the studio, Nico suddenly appears behind me. There’s still a tension between us and I hate that.

‘I thought I’d join you. Unless you want to be alone. You look upset.’

I shake my head. ‘No. Not upset. Unsettled.’

‘What’s that?’

He points to the folded sheet of paper in my hand.

‘It’s from Pierce’s session this morning. We all had to describe ourselves in two words and then everyone else added their thoughts. It was a bit too uncomfortable and intense for me.’

‘You haven’t read it?’

‘No.’

He strolls down to his end of the studio, pulling his plaid shirt over his head and grabbing his work T-shirt. I don’t look away and he seems oblivious to the fact that I’m watching him. Physically, he’s a strong man and I’ve seen him coming out of the gym early in the morning. You don’t maintain a physique like that unless you work out. He’s also a man who is very disciplined. The type of person who probably does a hundred sit-ups before breakfast. He replaces what’s missing from his life with regime and that’s what keeps him together. I can’t help feeling it’s a little sad.

He looks up and I look away.

‘Can I read it?’

Is he checking on Pierce? I hope he doesn’t think I’m being negative in any way.

‘If you want. It’s just not my thing, that’s all.’

I place it on the shelf behind me, next to some of Nico’s art books, then pull my working shirt over my head. In that few seconds, Nico has crossed the room and is staring at the unfolded sheet held aloft in his hands.

I watch his expression.

‘It’s very you. Except the two words in the middle. I’m assuming those were your words?’

I nod.

‘You need to look at this, Fern.’

He holds the sheet out to me and when I don’t take it, he gently lowers it, face up, onto the floor.

‘You’re good at giving me advice. My advice to you is that you need to read this and take it on board.’

He walks off and disappears into the workroom.

The paper is upside down, but it’s covered in clouds – more clouds than there were people, so most have written more than one word. And in between the clouds are lots and lots of little messages written in much smaller print.

Inspirational. Kind. Thoughtful. Caring. Compassionate. Genuine. Determined. Positive. Motivational. Gracious. Gentle. Warm. Sympathetic. Empathetic. Kind-hearted. Fit! Engaging. Affectionate. Sociable. Cheerful. Approachable. Supportive. Welcoming. Talented. Outgoing. Trusting. Loving. Encouraging. Understanding. Sunny. Forgiving. Attractive. Cool. Selfless. Enthusiastic. Reassuring. Hopeful. Role model.

The two words in the centre, my words, are Worrier and Sensitive.