The two things were one and the same, but no one gives me credit for having known that. Not even now.

RACHEL

Eventually I got myself out of the wide bed, treating myself to a hot blast in Arthur’s en-suite shower, then crept downstairs, thinking about what was I going to say to Hannah. I needn’t have worried. Her clothes were still strewn across her bed, muddy trainers upside down on the carpet where they’d lain the night before. As I pulled my jeans on, she reappeared. She was pinker than ever, a coy look on her face.

‘Sorry, roomie!’ she said, giggling. ‘I got a bit distracted last night.’ Then her expression turned serious. ‘Were you worried about me? I’m sorry, Rachel, I should’ve been more thoughtful.’

Her intensity was infuriating and endearing in equal parts. How much did she really think I cared about her, forty-eight hours into our relationship?

‘I did at first, but then I figured you were probably having fun. Were you having fun?’

Hannah flopped dramatically onto my bed like a Victorian wench with a fit of the vapours.

‘Rachel, everything Amber said is coming true! I know it sounds ridiculous, but… I know you’ll understand.’

‘Tell me,’ I said, turning towards her. I felt very old in that moment, my body still bruised and sore, the sources multiplying.

‘New me. New life. I don’t know. I just felt these incredible connections from when I first got here. You, Marco.’ Uttering his name triggered a whole new crimson bloom in her cheeks. ‘Last night was – I don’t think I’ve ever made love before, you know? Not truly.’

‘Wow, things are moving fast,’ I said hypocritically.

‘Are they, though?’ said Hannah, dreamy. ‘We know from yesterday that time’s just an illusion. I wouldn’t be surprised if Marco and I have known each other through many, many lifetimes.’

A flash of Mum’s face in that nightmarish incarnation. It was too visceral, too real. I couldn’t stay there.

‘So, do you think it’s your diamond anniversary?’ I asked.

Hannah looked put out. ‘He is a diamond, I know that. I think I had my first ever full-body orgasm last night.’ She giggled again. ‘Is it okay that I’m telling you this?’

Why was I judging her? Which of us was really the fool?

‘That’s amazing,’ I said, the hug I gave her a real one. ‘Now go and brush your teeth. You’re definitely in need of breakfast.’