‘It’s good to see you too, Laura,’ Alice says rising from fussing the dogs, and falling into the woman’s arms, enjoying the warmth of them closing around her. There was no doubting Laura and Joe had hoped Alice and Leon would get married one day, have children.

Laura releases Alice and stares deep into her eyes. ‘We were so sorry to hear about your dad, sweetheart.’

‘Thanks.’ Alice wishes the mention of his name didn’t still have the power to reduce her to tears. She coughs to clear her throat, and Leon puts his arm on her back, as though keeping her upright. Laura is simply being loving and supportive, as always – his parents are the kindest people she knows. ‘And thank you for the card and flowers.’

‘You are more than welcome.’ Laura touches Alice’s arm, before turning her attention to her son, giving him an equally big hug. ‘Have you got time for a cheeky brew? Something to eat?’

‘We’ve had breakfast, Mum, and we should probably head off,’ Leon says, as they step into the kitchen, the smell of recently cooked bacon in the air. ‘It’s a long journey.’

‘And the tide is only out between midday and four,’ Alice adds, as Joe appears, a hands-free magnifier around his head.

‘Alice,’ he says, and more hugs ensue. ‘How are you, love?’

‘I’m good thanks. You?’

‘Better since I retired.’

‘You’re retired already?’ She knew he was counting down the days to when he left the junior school where he worked for thirty years, but it had seemed ages away when she last visited with Leon. It makes her painfully aware of the time she’s been away from him.

Joe nods. ‘And I’m loving every minute. I’m not saying I don’t miss the little monsters, but the time was right to hang up my cane.’

‘Joe!’ Laura says, and rolls her eyes.

‘What’s with the magnifier, Dad?’ Leon opens the fridge door, and peers inside like a teenager searching for food. ‘Ooh, fairy cakes.’

‘Don’t touch those, they’re for your nieces. They’re coming later.’ Laura smiles. ‘I’ve got biscuits, if you’re hungry.’

Leon pulls a face, and closes the fridge door. ‘So, what’s with the magnifier?’ he repeats.

‘Your dad’s taken up stamp collecting,’ Laura says.

‘I have indeed.’ Joe nods. He’s shorter than Leon, and always seems to be dressed in polo shirts and knee-length shorts, whatever the weather. ‘It keeps me off the streets.’

Henry and the spaniels suddenly barge through the kitchen like a herd of buffalo, and into the lounge. ‘Oh God, Henry’s made them excited,’ Alice says. ‘Are you sure you’re OK to look after him?’

‘Of course – he’ll be no problem at all.’ Laura smiles. ‘They’ll calm down soon enough.’