‘Naomi …’ I am not offended by her words; I probably do look like shit. ‘What about work? You just said you’re really busy.’

‘I … I can take the afternoon off. It’s fine. You need me more than they do.’

‘Well, I suppose I could get the rest of those boxes down …’ Before I can finish my answer, the doorbell rings and I get to my feet, rushing along the hall to answer it before whoever it is rings again and wakes the baby.

‘Avó!’ I am surprised to see Rav’s mum on the doorstep. ‘I wasn’t expecting you …’

‘I did tell Rav I would come and see you today.’ She gives a heavy sigh as her tiny frame pushes past me into the hall. ‘I have to see my grandchildren. I’ve hardly seen the baby since he was born! Ravi says you’re too tired. But it’s fine. I will take the bus all the way over here to see you, if Ravi won’t bring you to me.’

I bite back my frustration and let her brush past me into the kitchen, without saying a word. We moved here partly to be closer to Avó, but it still isn’t close enough for her – she is only a short bus journey away, a walkable distance for Rav and me, but she would only be truly happy if we were living in her spare room, or failing that, in the house next door. She already has the baby in her arms by the time I appear in the kitchen doorway. I call to Mina, who rushes downstairs and throws her arms around her grandmother’s legs.

‘Allie, you do look tired. Ravi was right. This won’t do. You need to sleep when the baby sleeps.’ Avó frowns at me as she reaches down to stroke Mina’s head and I feel the weight of her judgement as if it were a ton of bricks.

‘I was just telling her the same thing, Mrs Harper.’ Naomi gets to her feet, snatching up her bag from beneath the table. ‘Allie, shall I take Mina to the park, get her an ice cream and then …’ she casts a quick glance towards Rav’s mother, ‘you could get some sleep while we’re gone?’

Avó’s face is already creasing into a frown, her mouth open to say something, and I speak hastily. ‘Oh no, Naomi, honestly it’s fine. We’re fine. But thank you for coming over, it was good to see you.’

‘OK. If you’re sure?’ Naomi raises her eyebrows and I nod.

‘Absolutely sure. Mina, say goodbye to Naomi.’

I see her to the door, and by the time I get back Avó is already tucking the baby into a knitted cardigan that she has magicked from somewhere, and Mina is sitting on the kitchen floor, pushing her trainers onto the wrong feet.