Jamie shook his head. ‘He hasn’t exactly shown it. Paul, you don’t know what’s been going on while you’ve been in here. Chris and Lucy have turned into the neighbours from hell. I’ve been trying not to think about it while you were in the coma, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Chris had done it on purpose. They’ve been writing us letters, taping us having sex, joining us to endless clubs. You wouldn’t believe what…’

Paul yawned, the high-pitched noise drowning Jamie out. He realised Paul hadn’t been listening to a word he said. ‘You’ll have to tell me about it some other time. I’m too tired to concentrate.’

Jamie nodded. He didn’t want to upset Paul or do anything to hinder his recovery. ‘Do you want me to go already?’

‘Not just yet.’ He yawned again, and then a smile crept across his lips. ‘I gather everyone was heartbroken and worried that I wouldn’t come back.’

‘You could say that.’

Paul’s smile widened. ‘That’s good.’

Jamie was shocked. ‘I don’t think it’s something to be pleased about. We’ve really suffered, Paul.’

‘Oh come on, wouldn’t you be pleased to hear that everyone was really worried about you? It’s like going to your own funeral and seeing everyone crying over you and saying what a good bloke you were.’

Jamie shook his head. ‘You’re obviously not feeling yourself at the moment.’

Paul didn’t say anything.

Jamie looked around the ward, at the flowers beside the bed, the MP3 player in the corner so Paul could be played his favourite music. ‘The other day, you said something about having dreams.’

‘Did I?’

‘Yes. Before Doctor Meer asked us to leave.’

‘Of course I’ve had dreams. I’ve been asleep for a long time.’

‘What kind of dreams?’

Paul closed his eyes. ‘I don’t want to talk about it. Maybe I’ll tell you later.’

‘Were they bad dreams?’

‘I said I don’t want to talk about it.’

‘OK.’ He put his hand on Paul’s shoulder. He was cold beneath his pyjamas. ‘OK.’

Paul tried to smile. ‘What have I missed while I’ve been away?’

‘Oh, quite a bit. Kirsty’s pregnant.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, Heather told me. Congratulations.’ There was little sincerity in his voice.

‘And we’re going to get married.’

Paul rolled his eyes.

Undeterred, Jamie said, ‘Maybe it will be you and Heather next.’

‘I don’t think so somehow. God, I don’t even know what she’s been up to while I’ve been in here.’

Jamie exhaled. ‘She’s been absolutely grief-stricken. She’s been coming here every day to sit by your bed. Every time I see her she ends up crying. For some bizarre reason – and don’t ask me what it is – she loves you.’