This is why she loves Darren so much – he’s always so thoughtful, so caring. But right now, she wishes he was a little less concerned. She wishes he would just ask what’s for dinner and plonk himself in front of the telly with a beer.

‘No, wait!’ Catriona cries a little too loudly as he turns to leave the room.

Darren stops and turns back to stare at her, bemused.

‘Sorry.’ Catriona realises she overreacted. ‘It’s just, I’ve only just managed to settle her down. Don’t worry. I took her temperature earlier. She’s fine. It’s better if you let her carry on sleeping.’

Darren looks Catriona up and down. His eyes narrow. ‘You’ve got mud on your jeans… and on your sweatshirt. What’ve you been doing? Not gardening in this weather?’

She manages a small laugh, but to her ears it sounds forced and strangled. ‘No, don’t be silly. Gracie and me, we went to the shopping centre – don’t worry, I didn’t buy anything – and when I got home, some bloke in an Audi drove through a puddle and splashed us.’ Catriona notes again how easily the lies are coming, like flecks of mud floating on a treacherous oil slick.

Darren shakes his head in sympathy. ‘I was about to jump in the shower, but if you want to go first…’

‘No. You go.’ The thought of going into the bathroom sets her trembling again. She wraps her arms around her body.

‘Oh, Caty, you’re shivering. You’re really not well. Go and get into bed and I’ll bring you a cup of tea.’

Why does he have to be so nice? A tear slides down her cheek. She turns away and starts filling the kettle, so he doesn’t see she’s crying. ‘You go and have your shower. I’ll make us tea.’ Quickly, she wipes away the tears with the back of her hand and inhales deeply to staunch the impending flow.

‘Are you sure?’ he asks, his voice heartbreakingly tender.

‘Yeah, course.’ This feels worse than she could have possibly imagined. How is she going to manage to keep herself together? To stay functional?

‘Okay then, I won’t be long.’

Catriona is still facing away from him, willing him to leave the room. Instead, he comes and puts his arms around her. Bends to kiss the side of her neck. She closes her eyes and savours the moment, before shaking herself out of it. ‘You shouldn’t get too close. I don’t want you catching what me and Grace have got.’