She seemed disappointed, but very quickly brightened again. “Fancy a welcome home drink in the Oak tomorrow night?” she suggested. “We can have a proper catch up and I’ll give Liam and a few other people a nudge. We could even have finger food. I’ll do some of my dips, some guacamole, tzatziki …”

Knowing that any food conversation with Phyllis could go on for a while, I cut her off. “That sounds lovely, but don’t go to any trouble. Really. A quiet drink would be great.”

She rubbed her hands together enthusiastically. “Leave it with me.”

After a quick visit to the supermarket, I drove home along the coast, glancing across at Trawbreaga Bay and the Isle of Doagh, rolling down the window so I could hear the sea. The waves were a balm I’d found calming even at the most difficult times. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to live away from the coast again, and hoped I’d never have to. Seagulls soared and swooped low over the greeny-blue water. I could hear their squeal.

The clouds had cleared a little, allowing a glimpse of blue with a wash of lilac and orange, but the sky ahead of me over Malin didn’t look so good; an ominous black cloud had settled just above the village. I hoped the forecasters were wrong and the cyclists would get a good start to their cycle in the morning, but it didn’t seem likely. The supermarket had been full of people in tracksuits buying energy bars and sun cream. I had a feeling they might not be needing the latter so much.

I drove across the old bridge and onto the village green, pulling up in front of my cottage. I was home. This was where I’d found refuge, it was somewhere I could be myself, alone when I wanted to be, with company when I didn’t. The problem was, where did Molloy fit into that? Did I feel ready to share my space with someone else full time? Had he even meant it when he’d come out with that strange proposal? Would I lose him if I said no? One thing for sure – we needed to talk. For the moment though, I was home, and that was enough.

I walked up the path and turned the key in the lock. Marina had been living here while I was away, so I fully expected to encounter a stranger looking into my fridge just as I had in my parents’ house. But no, the house was silent, deserted. There was a note on the kitchen table.

Welcome Back! I’ll be gone for the night so I’m sure you’ll be glad to have the place to yourself. Hope you had a great trip and I’ll see you in the office in the morning! Marina