‘Wait a second,’ I say to the boys, throwing my arm to the side to prevent them stepping inside. ‘Let me quickly check …’ I don’t know what to tell them I’m checking for; I’m suddenly at a loss for words. ‘Er … I need to make sure the estate agent has finished.’ It’s a feeble, paper-thin reason to give – even if he hadn’t finished, I wouldn’t be holding the boys back from entering their own house. They probably know this and that’s why they’re looking at me with large, concerned eyes. I don’t want to frighten them by saying I don’t think everyone left.

‘Just call out,’ Leo says, simply.

‘Wait a minute.’ I ignore his suggestion and go inside, leaving them standing on the step. I quickly sweep through the kitchen and lounge. No one. I drop my handbag on the hallway floor, then run upstairs. I’m not sure what I’d do if I was to find someone there. A stranger sitting on my bed, or something. My mind hasn’t come up with any answers. Which turns out is fine, because none are needed.

The rooms are empty.

I let out a long stream of air from my lungs.

I simply miscounted – as Jo suggested.

‘Okay, boys – come on in,’ I shout down.

I hear them clamber inside and slam the door. Now the immediate alarm is over, I find myself thinking about who was in here an hour ago. Whether they liked what they saw, whether they were imagining themselves living in this space. Wondering if they touched my things. I inspect the items in my bedroom to make sure all is in its place. As I left it. Everything appears as it should. And as far as I can tell, nothing is missing. But then, I have too much stuff, so wouldn’t immediately notice if it were. I’m about to go into Finley’s room to do the same when Leo hollers.

‘Mum!’

‘Yes, Leo?’ I walk to the top of the stairs.

‘Your mobile’s ringing.’

‘Oh, thanks.’ I run back down and take the phone from his outstretched hand.

It’s Richard. Good timing. I say hi, then walk through to the kitchen, closing the door to the lounge so I can talk without the boys hearing.

‘Is everything all right?’ Richard’s smooth, calm voice asks.

‘Had the open house earlier,’ I tell him. ‘And to be honest, it’s unsettled me.’

‘You’re not having second thoughts, are you? We’ve talked at length about our decision, the pros and cons, how it’s really the only way we’ll be able to be together.’