‘I’ve been fine,’ I snap. It’s on the tip of my tongue to say something, to tell him I overheard them both, but I don’t think it will do me any favours. He’ll deny it, try to tell me that I misheard or imagined it. Try to make me feel like I am mad. ‘I was late, it’s not a big deal.’

‘It is a big deal,’ Rav says. ‘You left Mina. And it’s not just that you were late, it’s all this stuff with the house. The bones. Doing all that last night with the chimney. Hounding the old lady who used to live here – you’re becoming obsessed.’

I open my mouth to argue but Rav cuts me off. ‘I know I should have told you about the history of the house, but I didn’t want to upset you and clearly I made the right choice – ever since you found out about this bloody Pluckley Witch story you’ve been … not yourself.’

‘Rav, I know I saw something out in the woods, whether you like it or not.’ I hiss back at him, aware of Naomi above us. ‘You can hardly blame me for wanting to find out what happened if I’m going to bring up our family here.’ I watch as Rav almost flinches at those words, confirming to me that I did hear correctly. He is concerned that the children aren’t safe with me.

‘That’s my point! You were so focused on the house you forgot about Mina. Allie, listen, it’s not that—’

‘Is everything OK?’ Naomi has appeared in the doorway, her perfectly groomed eyebrows knitted together in a frown.

‘I was just moaning about Avó,’ I say quickly, not meeting Rav’s eye. ‘I was just complaining about her bringing over potatoes so I could make Rav dosa.’

‘Oh yum, I love dosa. Don’t complain, Al, I’d love it if I had a mother-in-law like Avó.’ She flashes a smile at Rav.

‘Why don’t you two go through into the living room.’ Rav shoots me a look and gets to his feet. ‘I’ll clear up and bring you some tea.’ He starts stacking the plates together, waving Naomi away as she tries to help. I push my chair back and walk into the living room, choosing the same seat on the sofa where I always sit. I didn’t mention it, but Naomi had sat in my usual seat at the dinner table, directly across from Rav. Rav hadn’t mentioned it either.