‘It’s a night for reflection,’ he slurs the words.

‘Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I’m not sure I can hold you up for very long, Nico. You have to work with me.’

We shuffle forwards rather perilously, but I grit my teeth and keep going. Once we’re inside, I’m not sure where I’m heading.

‘Nico, where is your bedroom?’

He grunts, lifting his arm and pointing, but that sends his body into a tilt and we end up teetering sideways and crashing into the wall. The sound echoes around the hallway. I hold my breath, listening out for any sounds, but there’s nothing. Only Nico’s raspy, drunken breathing. He shifts his position and I yank him back into a standing position.

‘Walk, Nico. Walk. You have to help me because you’re too heavy and I don’t want you to fall.’

He rallies a little.

‘Mi hermosa, Fern. You are my beautiful angel.’

I shush him, surprised to hear him speaking in Spanish and calling me beautiful.

‘Quietly, Nico. Everyone is asleep. Here, lean against the wall while I open the door.’

‘My muse left me, but now you’re here. She said you would save me.’

‘Shush!! You must be quiet, Nico. Please.’

I hope he doesn’t slide to the floor, because if he does, then I’m going to have to get some help. However, he takes a deep breath to compose himself and, as I throw the door open wide, he starts to stagger through without my assistance. I follow close behind.

He manages to get over to the bed and collapses onto it, face down. I can’t possibly leave him like that and I kneel beside him to slip off his shoes. Almost instantly he’s snoring softly and I feel a little panicky. I can’t sit here watching him all night, so I try to get him to roll on his side and, after a few minutes of arm flinging and resistance, he’s in a safer position.

Grabbing two pillows, I put one behind his back and one alongside his front, hoping it will anchor him. He’s too drunk to know what he’s doing and I hesitate for a moment, not quite sure what else to do. Then I remember the recovery position from the first-aid course I did at work and I push one of his legs up, so it’s bent. Reasonably happy that he’s in a safe enough position until he’s slept some of the alcohol off and is more aware, I make my way back upstairs.