When he acts like this Theo thinks his dad is a prick. He actually thinks his dad is a prick most of the time even when he’s not behaving like a spoilt child rather than the seventy-six-year-old retired consultant that he really is. He wonders what’s set him off now. It doesn’t take much. Mavis has probably put one of his golfing trophies back in the wrong place. Theo is grateful he doesn’t have to live with him any more.

Theo has only popped over to check on him. Like he does every week. Because even though his dad hasn’t been the best father, or the best husband, he feels a sense of duty. And he knows it’s what his mum would have wanted. Theo is the only family his dad has left. And sometimes, when his dad forgets to act like a total dickhead, in his more vulnerable moments, like when they sit side by side watching a film together on the sofa and he falls asleep, his face looking peaceful and old with his chin resting on his chest, he feels a rush of fondness towards him. And then his dad will wake up and turn back into his grumpy, demanding self and the sympathy Theo had been feeling, just moments before, evaporates.

Despite all this Theo tries to cut his dad some slack. He understands that losing his wife – Theo’s mum – fourteen years ago was devastating. Caroline Carmichael had been only forty-five when she died, and so vibrant, so caring. Her loss has left a gaping hole in their lives. Not that his father would admit to any feelings. Showing vulnerability is a weakness, according to him. He prefers to hide his emotions behind his gruff exterior. Despite this, Theo has always felt a grudging respect for him. He’s a brilliant man. Exceptionally clever and hugely talented in his field. Even now, after retiring, he still writes papers for medical publications.

Theo clears his throat. His dad is so busy slamming drawers and opening and shutting cabinet doors that he doesn’t hear him at first. Theo has to repeat the action several times before his dad looks up.

‘What do you want?’

Charming, thinks Theo. He’s had a bastard of a day, helping his brother-in-law, Simon, move house and he’s on a late shift at the restaurant tonight. It’s not a fancy enough restaurant to impress his dad, even if it is in one of Harrogate’s premier streets, but, still, he enjoys working there as head chef. He feels grubby after hauling the furniture from the van and needs a shower before starting work at 6 p.m.

‘Just thought I’d look in, make sure you’re eating properly. I’ve made a couple of lasagnes for you to freeze.’ He holds up the carrier bag to illustrate his point.