One evening, however, as Jock arrived home from work, he heard Derek call for her. She scurried from the kitchen, waving briefly at her husband as she noticed him in the hallway. He followed and stood near the doorway as his wife went to the boy’s side.

“Can you tell me another story, Mother?” asked Derek. “I’m bored.”

“I will, dearest. After supper. I’m half done cooking dinner.”

“But that’ll take ages and I’ll be tired by then. Can’t you—”

Jock stepped into the room. “Your mother is busy, Derek. Why don’t you read a book if you’re bored?”

Derek and his mother glanced at one another before she turned to her husband.

“He doesn’t read yet, dear,” she said.

Jock raised his brows. “Really? Well, that’s another good reason for him to get out of bed and go back to school as soon as possible.”

“The doctor said he needs a few more weeks.”

“If he’s strong enough to demand entertainment at home, I venture that he’s well enough to sit in a classroom.”

“Soon enough, dear,” said Derek’s mother, giving her son a nervous smile as she led his father away.

He wasn’t sure what passed between his parents after that but the following week, the boy returned to school. Two weeks later, his teacher intercepted Mrs Mackenzie when she arrived to fetch her children and told her the school was concerned about Derek: he was so far behind he might be unable to catch up or keep up with his classmates. It would be better, said the teacher, if he stayed home for the rest of the year and returned the following one to start grade one afresh.

Derek was delighted by the news. It meant being home alone with his mother again and watching daytime television. Jock was incensed.

“He and his teacher will simply have to work harder so he can get back on track,” he said. “His brother and sister can help him in the afternoon, too. How hard can it be to catch up on two months of grade one work?”

“It’s just that it’s important he gets a good foundation, they said. He’s missed some crucial steps,” explained his mother, wringing her hands once more.

His father would have none of it, and the boy was bundled off to school again the next day. The months that followed were alienating and confusing for Derek. Resentful of the fact his parents had dismissed her recommendation, his teacher largely ignored him. In addition, with his classmates having established friendships while he was ill, Derek sat alone on the wall at break times so he could see the road, lest his mother should come by. Surely she’d rescue Derek the Strongest?