Kellie, who happened to be sitting next to me, said: ‘I’m searching for something, but I don’t know what until I find it,’ and her honesty felt raw.

Nico’s description, too, was troubling.

‘I’m an artist battling to control what he creates without killing off the spontaneity.’

Afterwards, we lingered over coffee and then a few headed off for a walk; some went to their rooms and that left a small group scattered around the day room. Kellie made no attempt to move and I didn’t want to leave her on her own, even though I was tempted to retire to my room for an early night.

She asked me if it was difficult leaving my family behind and I could see she was genuinely interested.

‘Yes, but it isn’t as simple as that,’ I’d explained. ‘My husband, Aiden, is backpacking as he’s always wanted to travel to far-flung destinations, but I don’t fly unfortunately. My brother, Owen, recently joined the army and is about to complete boot camp. My younger sister, Hannah, went off to university in Cardiff last October. She shares a house with three of her fellow students and they all have part-time jobs in and around the city. So, the time is right for me to do something I know I will enjoy and I’m eager to pick up a paintbrush.’

Kellie looked genuinely surprised. ‘There must be a lot of trust between you and your husband. My parents loathe each other but are too lazy to do anything about it. Splitting up is a hassle and staying together—’ she’d paused to reflect on it for a moment, ‘is a hassle, too! Life, eh?’

‘That must be tough on you. It’s not easy being around a relationship that isn’t working, I should imagine. It’s hard enough when people get on well.’

‘It’s living hell, actually. I try to switch off when they’re arguing. I put in my earphones and turn up the iPod. I have two brothers, but I’m the youngest and the only one still at home.’

We didn’t get to take our conversation any further as someone suggested playing cards. Before we knew it, we were part of a small group assembled around the table.

Kellie didn’t seem put out, so I joined in too. It was just after eleven when we all headed off to bed and I suddenly remembered that I was going to find out about the guitar. Something tells me that music is important to Kellie and I made a mental note to make enquiries in the morning.

I remember my head hitting the pillow and uttering a sigh, then nothing.