I’m saved from thinking too hard by the sound of the front door opening. I lean over to turn off my bedside light, but I change my mind at the last second – I don’t want to be in the dark. It’ll be fine to leave it on. I’ll say I’ve been resting.

‘Can I put my new decoration on the tree?’ Charlie’s voice floats up the stairs, loud and excited. It makes me smile and want to rush downstairs to give him a hug.

‘Shh,’ Matt says, trying to be quiet. ‘Mum might be asleep.’

‘Can we show her what we got from the fayre?’ Jess asks.

‘Maybe tomorrow.’ The stairs creak and the landing light comes on. As the bedroom door opens and Matt walks in, I’m hit with a mixture of dread and relief. ‘Hey, you,’ he says gently. ‘Didn’t think you’d be awake.’ His cheeks are pink, and his hair is mussed up from the wind. It hurts how much I love him.

‘Hello.’ I sit up and force out a sleepy smile. I’m terrified he’ll be able to see straight through me. Know that I’ve lied.

‘How’ve you been?’

‘I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there this evening.’

‘That’s okay. You can’t help being ill. Are you feeling any better? Want a cup of tea or something to eat?’

I shake my head. ‘No, I’m fine. Maybe just some water?’

‘Yeah, sure.’

His thoughtfulness makes me feel even more guilty. ‘How was the fayre? Not too hectic I hope?’

‘It was pretty good actually.’ Matt grins. ‘Charlie had a great time helping me on the decorations stand, and I barely saw Jess – she was off around the hall with her friends. Far too cool to hang around with her boring old dad.’

‘That’s good. I’m gutted I couldn’t go. I think it’s the first one I’ve missed since Jess started in Kindergarten.’ I want to ask if he saw Kate there, but I bite back the question. It’s not a good idea to mention anything to do with the Morrises after what I did this evening.

‘Never mind. There’ll be plenty more school fayres to go to.’

‘Heidi wasn’t annoyed, was she?’

‘Course not. She told me to send you her love and to tell you to get well soon.’

‘That’s sweet of her.’ Now I feel even more guilty.

‘I’ll go and get your water. Back in a sec. Try to get some more sleep.’