He responded with a nod. Sarah recalled a game her mother used to play with her when she was little and feeling down. It was a way of getting stuff off her mind without betraying confidences. Not that she’d had too much to unburden at that age. ‘It’s called “if I ask”, ’ Sarah continued, recalling the name. ‘I ask you the same question from three different people. In this round I’ll be your mum, Libby and me. You reply in three different ways, but only one answer is the truth. I have to guess who you’re telling the truth to.’ She laughed as his forehead wrinkled. ‘It’s not as complicated as it sounds, I promise.’

Elliott brightened, the remote control discarded. Blue Bloods would have to wait for now. Sarah crossed her legs, making herself comfortable. ‘So, here’s the question. Are you ready?’

‘Yes,’ he said, his expression turning solemn. This seemed more than a game to him.

‘We’ll start with a warm-up question, so take your time.’ She gave him a look which conveyed that this was a safe place. ‘Why are you wearing gloves? First answer goes to your mum.’

‘Because I’m cold.’ He stared at his hands. Sarah knew this wasn’t the truthful answer. He wouldn’t have wanted his mum to feel sad.

‘OK. And how about if Libby asked?’

‘They’re Daddy’s gloves,’ he replied instantly. By the size of them, this seemed true. But there was another reason why Elliott had chosen to wear them to bed.

‘And now me.’

Elliott finally met her gaze. ‘I don’t want to scratch Maggie again.’

‘I see. Well, I’m here tonight so you don’t have to worry about that.’ Sarah held out her hand. ‘Also, I’ve brought some microwave popcorn. Want to take off those gloves and give me a hand? Then we can play the rest of the game.’ She didn’t need to ask twice. The gloves disposed of, Elliott enjoyed the novelty of making popcorn at home.

A few minutes later they were back on the sofa, snacks in hand. ‘You can ask me another question now,’ Elliott said, watching her intently with a fistful of popcorn. It was as if he had read her mind. Sarah had been wondering if she was doing the right thing by continuing with the game.

‘OK, but this is a big question, Elliott. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.’

Elliott munched on his popcorn, with a determined expression. ‘It’s OK,’ he said.

Sarah nodded in response. ‘Right. Here goes then. Who do you think the Midnight Man is? First answer goes to Maggie.’

‘The Midnight Man is a bad dream,’ Elliott said instantly. He blinked, his long dark lashes full of innocence.

‘OK,’ Sarah said, pleased he had the swing of it. ‘The next answer is to Libby. What would you tell her?’