Then, after dinner, it was time for Laurel and Daisy to begin delivering the first Christmas wreaths. While Daisy collected what she’d need, Laurel fended off Rea’s worried enquiries. ‘You’re sure you don’t mind?’ Rea’s eyes were huge with apprehension. ‘I know it should be me traipsing round the village with Daisy.’

Laurel shook herself from the thoughts that had plagued her since Grady’s departure this afternoon – his shoulders slumped and head down – and gave her sister a reassuring hug. ‘That’s what I’m here for.’ Then, taking this as an opening, she dropped her voice so there was no chance that Daisy, who was bustling about upstairs, would overhear. ‘But I do have a favour to ask.’

Rea returned the hug. ‘Anything.’

Laurel tried to sound casual. ‘I’d love you to come for a quick walk with me soon.’

Rea flinched, though she didn’t completely pull away. ‘That’s not a favour.’ Her voice had a hitch in it.

‘It is, because you’d be making me happy. I know Angel and Miranda came round the other evening but it would be great if you could at least get out into the village,’ Laurel said, feeling her way. Instinctively, she felt it was wrong not to gently encourage Rea because continuing to accept the situation was a form of enablement.

‘I know. But staying in is so much easier.’ Rea’s sigh was hot on Laurel’s neck. Then, surprising Laurel, she admitted, ‘I had a phone consultation with my behaviour therapist, yesterday.’

‘Great!’ said Laurel. She was about to bite back with, Why didn’t you tell me? but tried to understand the vulnerability that might make her sister reluctant to share till she was ready. ‘That sounds a significant step.’

Rea went on. ‘She’d say you’re right to bring it up. She told me about self-exposure therapy. You break going outside into bite-sized bits, just short distances. You do that till it feels more comfortable, then go a bit further. There are a lot of personal stories online where people say they got to grips with agoraphobia by repeating tiny outings until the anxiety dropped. I suppose it’s time to give it a go.’

‘I’m proud of you,’ Laurel croaked, her throat suddenly thick with tears.

Then came a thunder of steps on the stairs and Rea pulled away, whispering, ‘Don’t tell Daisy till I’ve actually managed to get out in the street. I don’t want to disappoint her if I freak. I haven’t been further than the garden since May.’