‘So you call me for an emergency catch-up because you’re fine? You could at least make something up. Incontinence maybe, or, I tell you what would make my day, erectile dysfunction! Did you want to talk about that?’ Glenn grinned to make Richard regret his tone.

‘That will be the last thing to die, let me tell you that for nothing.’ Richard even managed to laugh, and he felt a little more relaxed for it. His old friend laughed too. Glenn was bigger than Richard, in every way, and his laughter seemed to emphasise it. He leaned his head back so his wide neck and belly could shake with each guffaw. Even the noise was big. Glenn had always been loud. It had helped during their army days and had become a standing joke: if Richard ever needed to know where he should be going he could always follow Glenn. It had helped him a number of times during Operation Banner, when both men had been part of a British army operating in the streets of Northern Ireland. This was where they had first met as young men, not realising that they were from the same area of the country. A lifelong friendship was quickly cemented – along with a commitment to meeting up at least once a week to talk about when life was better.

When the laughter settled down, the look Glenn gave Richard was one of genuine concern.

‘Are you still struggling to sleep?’ Glenn said and Richard waved him away. It wasn’t even a consideration anymore. He barely slept, but he was used to it by now. ‘What’s the matter then?’

‘Are you not staying?’ Richard said, referencing the fact that Glenn was still wearing his coat. Glenn tutted, his face a grimace as he wrestled with his jacket. ‘My back. Honestly, if I had known that one day just taking a coat off would be agony I think I might have taken more risks in the army days!’ He finished the job then showed his contempt as he threw it onto the seat next to him. ‘I don’t take my coat off for everyone, you know.’ Glenn clicked his fingers, ‘I should write that down! What a chat-up line!’ There was more laughter. It was weaker when it came and quicker to leave. Glenn settled on an expression that carried a clear message: it was time to talk about the reason they were here. Suddenly it felt to Richard like a bad idea. But it was too late now.

‘I went to see Angela this morning,’ Richard started.

‘You go every morning, don’t you?’

‘Rain or shine.’

‘Blueberry?’ Glenn gestured to one of the muffins that still clogged the tray. Neither of them had touched their drinks.

‘No!’

‘Do you mind if I do? I figure if I’m going to wait all day for you to get to the point I might as well keep my strength up.’