‘It’s very good for you. It also stretches your muscles and reverses the flow of gravity. It stimulates the immune system and improves your circulation.’

‘Gives you a different perspective too I guess.’ She had looked funny on her head.

‘Ha, ha,’ said Maggie. ‘Don’t knock it before you’ve tried it.’

‘Nah. You’re all right.’

Maggie shifted into sitting with her legs crossed and tilted her head on one side. ‘Join me.’ I didn’t know what to do. I was pleased I hadn’t got PE while revision and exams were on the timetable; I wasn’t expecting to have to do some here. ‘Come on. Sitting on the floor is not taxing.’

Reluctantly I sat opposite her on the rug. It took three goes to cross my legs and she chuckled at me. ‘My legs are longer than yours,’ I said in my defence.

‘And not half as flexible. At your age I could scratch my ears with my toes.’

‘There’s a useful skill.’ I laughed at the thought.

‘Close your eyes,’ said Maggie. I closed one to start with but she was watching me so I did as I was told. She talked slowly and we went through some breathing exercises. If it hadn’t been for the pins and needles in my foot it would have been quite relaxing.

‘Okay. Open your eyes,’ she said, eventually. ‘How was your day?’

‘All right.’

She gave a penetrating squint. ‘I’m going to need more than that.’ Her eyes were curious, interested.

I had a think. ‘We’re just going over stuff.’ She motioned with her hand for me to say more. ‘We did a timed test in maths and I did better than I thought I would. We went through some complicated stuff that regularly comes up in chemistry. I’m not sure I’m ever going to get it. And some listening in French, which was even worse.’ Her eyebrow twitched at this but she said nothing. ‘But I got eighty per cent in the history test we did.’

She beamed at me and I wondered why. ‘Tom, that’s bloody marvellous! And a cause for celebration. I’ve made lemonade. Come on.’ She was on her feet and out of the room while I was still untangling my legs.

*

In the kitchen she filled two glasses from a tall jug with lemon slices floating in it. The liquid was an odd colour and cloudy. I sipped it cautiously. There was no need though; it was delicious. I pushed my fringe out of my eyes and winced when I touched my forehead.

‘You want to tell me about that?’ Maggie fixed me with her stare.

She was like truth serum – I couldn’t lie to her. ‘Got whacked in the face. It’s no biggie.’

‘No biggie?’

‘Just some beef this kid has with me.’

‘Beef?’

‘Why are you repeating what I say?’