She crossed the floor and handed him a glass of frothy liquid, the colour of a ripe peach. ‘Try it,’ she said. ‘It’s my favourite smoothie recipe. Loaded with vitamins.’

When he pronounced the drink delicious, she rewarded him with a smile. But as he settled into the chair her face creased with concern.

‘What a fright you had the other day in the village.’ She pulled her chair closer until their knees were practically touching.

‘I asked Dr Gessen if I could take over your session today.’

The concern in her eyes made it difficult for him to look away.

‘Just between you and me,’ she said, lowering her voice, ‘he can be a bit of a badger, don’t you think? In light of your recent ordeal, I was able to convince him you might appreciate a more delicate touch.’

The scent of her cologne, reminiscent of a summer meadow, perfumed the air between them.

‘Where do you want me?’ he asked. ‘On the couch, or perhaps in this chair?’

‘The couch is better, don’t you think? More comfortable for you.’ She led him into the adjoining room and waited for him to stretch out, before covering him with a soft wool blanket. After lowering the lights, she settled in the chair behind his head.

‘Now, I’d like you to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Not in your chest but deep in your abdomen.’ She left the chair and placed her hand on his belly. ‘That’s right. Slow, deep breaths.’

When she moved her hand away, his heart lurched with a sense of inexplicable loss. How long had it been since he’d felt a woman’s touch? His weekly forays into Magda’s bed, always after dark, like a thief in the night, satisfied his physical urges to a degree, but did little to assuage his hunger for affection. But real affection required a vulnerability he was too ill-equipped to manage. Love offered, only to be withdrawn, would be the death of him.

‘After I heard about what happened in the village, I was worried about you,’ Dr Lindstrom said, her soft voice like music to his ears. ‘That man who frightened you…’

Was that a catch in her throat?

‘You’ve got to be careful with some of these mountain types. Living alone for months at a time. After what happened to Ismail, I sometimes wonder… well, never mind.’ Her voice fell away. ‘While you were in the medical bay, I was sick with worry.’

Behind him came the whisper of nylons as she crossed her legs.

‘It might help if you could tell me about it.’ Her breathing quickened. ‘That man who threatened you. I saw him in the village once and immediately crossed to the opposite side of the street. Something in his face frightened me.’