As I leave him to it and walk back out into the open, a slight breeze catches my hair and I stop for a moment to take it all in. This is my life now for the next year unless I tire of it and decide to move on, and already the newness is wearing off and I’m settling in.

Knowing that each batch of visitors will only be here for a week, I have to guard against getting too close to anyone. However, Kellie reminds me a little of Hannah, who is now determined to demonstrate she can cope perfectly well on her own. But we need other people or risk isolating ourselves and becoming withdrawn. Kellie, I fear, at some point chose to withdraw and my aim this week is to ensure she has fun without her knowing I’m keeping a close watch.

‘Hey, Kellie. Wow, you two work fast.’ I sidle up next to her, surveying the now neatly hoed, weed-free expanse.

‘It’s easy once you settle into a pattern. And the smell is great.’ She turns, wrinkling her nose and smiling. The air is filled with the heavy scent of mint and thyme as her hoe continues to work along the top layer of soil in a succession of little stabs.

‘I wondered if you fancied having a guitar session with Taylor this evening? He’s into country music and is up for it. He has his own guitar and you could use Nico’s, the one you spotted in the day room.’

She stops what she’s doing and stands upright.

‘Seriously? That would be awesome. Thanks, Fern, I appreciate it.’

My eyes wander over the red dragon as it clings to her arm and she follows my gaze.

‘He’s called Laoch.’ She pronounces it as ‘Laok’.

‘I’m presuming that’s a Gaelic term. What does it mean?’

‘Warrior.’

‘I like that. The artistry of the ink is incredible. Simple, yet he has great character.’

She nods, staring down at him and when she raises her head back up to look at me, her gaze is forthright.

‘I’m a survivor,’ she says firmly. ‘I always will be, but I doubted it for a while. Never again.’

I reach out and place my hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Some secrets aren’t easy to share and I understand that.

‘I’ll tell Taylor you’re up for a session tonight after the evening meal. I think you’ll both enjoy it. It beats playing cards,’ I add, and that makes her smile.

‘It was a bit boring, wasn’t it?’

I bite my lip and she laughs. It’s genuine and rises up in her without summoning. Even in the last twenty-four hours I’m seeing a change, like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.

‘Time I grabbed a hoe, I think, and joined you. Those weeds certainly flourish in the sunshine.’

8