He rolled his eyes. ‘OK, I guess that’s near enough a full day.’ He stacked up his books and put them in the cupboard and I did the same. ‘What do you want to do now?’ he asked.

‘Um … I think I’ll just go to my room and play my guitar for a little while if that’s OK?’

Dad nodded. ‘Course it is, Sweetpea. I heard you playing last night – you sounded really good.’

I blushed, thinking of the lyrics I was singing last night. Lyrics to the song I’d written myself. I hoped he hadn’t heard. Surely he hadn’t? ‘Thanks, Dad,’ I mumbled. ‘But it’s a bit embarrassing. I’m still working on that song. I’d kind of rather you didn’t listen,’ I said, dragging my toe backwards and forwards across a crack in the faded terracotta tile.

He smiled and stroked my hair. ‘I wasn’t listening, my angel. You know how I respect your privacy. I heard you as I was passing your door.’ He paused and then added: ‘You’ll play it to me when it’s finished though, won’t you?’

‘Of course,’ I lied, blushing again. I’d have to write a different song for Dad. I didn’t want to play him that one. I couldn’t.

He moved his hand from my hair to cup my cheek. ‘My little girl. So grown up now.’

‘Dad!’ I grumbled, but at the same time, felt a warm glow in the pit of my stomach. It felt good to be loved. I knew not everyone had that. Dad was always telling me how lucky I was. How most of the world had gone bad, full of danger and hate.

He pinched my cheek lightly and then let his hand fall. ‘Sorry. I’m going to go out to the garden to find some veggies for dinner. I’ll leave you to play your guitar in peace, ’kay?’

I smiled. ‘Thanks, Dad. I’ll come and help you in a bit.’

I ran up the stairs to my room and closed the door gently. I pulled a large notebook from my bedside table and propped it up on the music stand at the end of my bed. I tuned my guitar carefully and then started playing, singing very quietly in case Dad was listening.

You may be the only boy I know

But I know you’re the only one I need

When I’m feeling lonely and cold

You light up my fire for me

One day we’ll fly away

Find a place that’s just for us

Far away from anyone else

Just you and me, you and me.

I smiled to myself. I knew the lyrics weren’t brilliant, but I was pleased with the song even so. And I was sure he’d like it too, if I ever got the chance to play it to him.