‘Okay, folks. Demonstration over. Let’s head into the back area and get you started with a chunk of wood and some chisels. Feel free to pick something out of the wood bin. Think about what you’d like to create, then focus on the shape. So, for a bird, you will need a stocky offcut. If you’re gonna do a decorative spindle on the lathe, then think elongated.’

As everyone wanders off in search of the perfect piece of wood, Taylor places the chainsaw back on the rack and turns to walk over to me.

‘Hey, Fern. How you doin’?’

He’s such a laid-back, friendly guy but the sort who, unless he’s teaching, only speaks when spoken to. He has powerful arms and he’s really tall. He looks down at me, smiling.

‘Good, thank you. That was quite something,’ I add.

‘Like anything else, it’s all about practice. I learnt it from my Pa.’

‘Well, it was very impressive. But I’ve come to ask a favour, actually. Kellie noticed a guitar in the day room and she was wondering if anyone here played. I talked to Nico and he suggested I have a word with you.’

He puts his head back and laughs. ‘Well, I only do country and western, but, yep, I strum. So, little Kellie is into music, then?’

‘Yes. I think she already plays guitar but maybe would benefit from a little encouragement.’

His hand travels up towards his chin and he rubs his fingers down his jawline, taking a moment to think about it. I try hard not to look at the scar that extends across his right cheek from below his eyebrow to just above his earlobe. It’s an old wound that, I’m guessing, for whatever reason, wasn’t attended to properly. It’s jagged and raised, adding a ruggedness to what is a very handsome face.

‘Well, I ain’t no tutor when it comes to music, but we could have a session or two. I’ll crack out my guitar and Kellie can grab Nico’s. Yeah. Why not. Set something up for this evening, okay?’

I give him a grateful nod. ‘Thank you, Taylor. That’s really good of you and I know Kellie will really appreciate it.’

‘The lyrics of some songs hold a lot more sense than the words a lot of people spout, I’ve found.’

I raise an eyebrow. ‘I think I can agree with you there. Enjoy your morning session and I’ll catch up with you at lunch.’

‘Will do, m’am.’ For a young man he certainly has a charming way about him. He’s smart, but his charm lies in his little ’ole American, small-town country style. I think Kellie will be safe in his care because I’m guessing he’s travelled around and seen a fair few things.