‘It’s a bay where dozens of dolphins have settled. Outings are organised every morning, it works like a dream, they’ve even had to limit the number of boats. It’s turning into an industry, but that’s not what we’d do here. We’d limit the number of trips. We’d raise the bidding, it would be a privilege, we’d create thousands of disappointed punters and just a few of the lucky elect. And then, if that works, if the money comes in, we could start thinking big. A real building, a sea-water pool, a wellness centre, a small research team …’

Then I sense him turning towards me, approaching, his shadow falling over me, making me feel cold.

‘Would you talk to your grandfather about it? Would you do that for me?’

I open my eyes. Or rather it’s Natale who opens them for me.

There he is, in his swimming shorts, as handsome as a pirate, unattainable, with his tanned skin, the bandana on his shaved head and his bare feet leaving footprints in the sand. Christ, this guy who’s asking me to do him a favour knows how to talk to dolphins! He’s come straight out of a novel, or a film, he’s taken my hand and now he’s pulled me into it.

‘Of course I will. Why would Papé say no?’

‘Because he doesn’t give a damn about cetaceans, tourists or me. But if his dolphin-loving granddaughter were to beg him …’

I know I should start bargaining, negotiating, setting out my conditions, but I can’t do it, so I simply clap my hands.

‘Whatever you like! Where do you imagine you’ll put this museum of yours?’

Natale becomes unstoppable and starts using words I don’t understand – environmental standards ISO something, composite materials, recycling systems – he’s even started talking about budgets, it’s all very technical, and I switch off until he slips in a word that makes me jump into the middle of his costs totalling thousands of francs. Maman.

I think I use the familiar ‘tu’ for the first time.

‘So you’ve talked to Maman about it?’

‘Of course. Your mother is an architect specialising in eco-buildings. She has a real sense of the practicalities. According to her, you can achieve energy self-sufficiency with just a few solar panels here and there.’

He points his finger towards the flatter rocks.

‘Have you brought her here?’

He does a brilliant imitation of a grouper, or whatever you call that fish with the big round eyes.

‘Yes. Your mother is very skilled, brilliant even. If my project goes ahead, I’m sure she’d be the best person to design it.’

I cut him off.

‘If she’s so fantastic, why don’t you ask Maman to talk to Papé?’