He smelled his dad before he saw him, and so did the cat. Just outside the bedroom, Minnie stiffened. Leon held on, murmuring, ‘Sorry, cat, we’re in this together.’ She shot him a foul look with wild eyes and tried to escape, but he secured a handful of scruff and clung on.

Dad was yellow and thin. He registered Leon briefly before turning back to the TV.

‘Hey, Dad,’ Leon said, trying to sound more upbeat than he felt.

Dad gave a sour smile. ‘Well, well. Look what the cat’s dragged in.’

‘It’s vice versa.’ Leon carried Minnie forward. It took some effort to unplug her claws from his sleeve, and when he put her on the bed she tried to bolt. Dad stretched out a hand to pat her but Minnie hissed, and when Leon released her she pelted into the hallway. Leon sat on a chair, waiting for his dad to start talking—which, of course, he didn’t. It would be up to Leon to get things going, as usual. ‘How are you?’ he asked.

‘All right.’

‘Mum said you’ve had a few tests.’

‘Yeah. Same old bullshit. No miracle cures.’

‘Stopping the grog would help.’

‘I have.’

‘Mum said the blood tests don’t show it.’

His dad said nothing.

‘What about Stan?’ Leon went on. ‘What’s he been giving you? I’ll guarantee it’s not water.’

Dad eyed him sourly. ‘Why are you here?’

Leon sighed. So, that’s how it’s going to be. ‘You’re not exactly pleased to see me, are you? I thought it’d be nice to drop in.’

‘What’s a man supposed to do?’ Dad scoffed. ‘A highland jig? You know I can hardly get out of bed.’

Leon was grimly pleased that his dad was stuck in bed—that kept Mum safe. ‘I’ve been visiting Grandpa every week,’ he said. ‘He’s not a bad bloke. We’ve been getting to know each other again.’

‘Putting on a show, is he?’ Dad grunted.

‘I like him. He’s good for a chat.’

‘He’s a troublemaker, that’s what he is. Has he ever told you how he used to keep his hands warm in summer?’

‘You don’t need to keep your hands warm in summer.’

‘Exactly. Tell him I told you to ask.’

‘Sure. I might drop in and see him on my way home.’

‘Give him my love,’ Dad said.

Leon ignored the sarcastic tone. ‘You should call him sometime. He’d like to hear from you.’

‘Like hell,’ Dad snorted.

‘He’s decent,’ Leon added. ‘You used to be like him before you got hooked on the grog.’

Dad scowled; clearly he didn’t take this as a compliment. ‘How’s your job? Converting any lost souls to conservation?’

‘Mostly preaching to the converted.’

Dad sniffed. ‘That’s how it goes. Just like religion.’