‘I’m new here, myself, actually. I arrived yesterday. It takes a while to settle in, doesn’t it?’

Wondering if there will be any takers, to my surprise, Kellie jumps in.

‘I noticed a guitar in the day room. Music wasn’t on the list of workshops, which is a real pity.’

Hmm. Interesting.

‘That is a shame. But if there’s a guitar, then I’m sure someone here must play. I’ll find out, if you like.’

‘Thanks. That would be cool.’

I notice Patricia’s wearing a little smile. I’d say that’s a result for just one afternoon’s work.

‘Hey, Fern, how’re you doing?’

It’s Owen. I lie back on the chaise longue, closing my eyes and picturing my brother’s cheeky grin.

‘Good. It’s great to hear your voice. How’s training going?’

‘Relentless but the end is in sight. And now I have abs, would you believe.’

My bro, and they’re turning him into a soldier. Only the tough survive the training, but he’s always had determination – he’s just taken a while to find the right thing to fire him up.

‘Amazing! I hope they’re feeding you well,’ I add, wondering if I’ll recognise the fitter version of the former computer-obsessed game player when we next meet up.

‘To be honest, I’m always so hungry I’d eat anything they dished up. It’s not bad, though. We’re off to Salisbury Plain for a few days and I wanted to check up on you before I left. I expect it’s all a bit strange, being away from everyone.’

I know that Owen is worried about me, but it’s not his style to admit that.

‘It’s wonderful here actually. I’ve spent the afternoon gardening with two of the new arrivals. Tomorrow I’ll be working in the garden again, but in the afternoon, for the first time in years, I will be sitting in front of an easel. How exciting is that?’

He laughs.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘Just trying to imagine you doing something you want to do for a change. It’s about time, I’d say.’

Hmm. I’m doing it because I’m here. If I was at home—

‘You’re a nightmare, Fern. Promise me you will relax and enjoy this time, please. Don’t waste it pining over Aiden and fretting about what the rest of us are doing. We can all look after ourselves – well, to varying degrees. Hannah hasn’t phoned you back, even though she said she would, because she’s helping Liam decorate his flat. I called her just now and she wasn’t very receptive. That poor guy has no idea what he’s getting himself into with our little sister.’