‘I’m just used to being busy,’ I carried on. ‘Especially at this time of year. The run up to Christmas in school is manic, so I’m not used to doing nothing in November.’

‘That makes sense,’ he said, sounding disappointed. ‘Do you miss it?’

‘Yes,’ I said, without hesitation. ‘I do, although not the festive madness. I considered my role an important one and I like to think I’d made a difference, but cuts had to be made and student welfare didn’t rank as highly as hitting targets and finding new ways to deliver the curriculum.’

‘That doesn’t make much sense to me,’ said Ned.

‘Me neither,’ I shrugged. ‘I’d far rather play a part in sending confident students who have been taught self-care and how to look after their mental health out into the world, than legions of kids who knew a bit about algebra that they’ll never use. That’s why I want to set up my own business. I’m going to combine art therapy with an emphasis on how nature and time spent outdoors can nurture and heal.’

I stopped to draw breath, conscious that it was the first time I’d said aloud what it was I was planning to do.

‘That sounds amazing.’ Ned thrilled me by saying. ‘And you’re right. Those are the skills that really count. They’re the sort of things that should be on the curriculum, aren’t they?’

‘Well,’ I grinned. ‘I think so.’

‘Your business is going to be amazing, Liza.’ He praised, making me glow inside and out. ‘I know it’s going to be a huge success.’

The businesses success depended on whether he could raise the money to buy me out, but I didn’t say as much.

‘Anyway,’ I said, turning the conversation full circle. ‘in answer to your original question, I am all right, I’m just keeping myself busy.’

I wanted to add, and not falling in love with Wynter’s Trees, but having now explained my business idea, I didn’t think I needed to further hammer the point home.

‘And out of mischief.’ Ned grinned.

His words confirmed he’d taken what I’d emphasised and explained to heart and I was grateful for that.

‘Oh, I don’t know about that,’ I laughed. ‘I’m always up for a bit of mischief!’

Why did I say that?

‘Oh right,’ Ned laughed back, running a hand around the back of his head, ‘well, that’s good to know.’

‘I’d better let you get on,’ I said, feeling a total fool.

‘Yeah,’ he said, looking at his watch. ‘Dad wants to look at some of the potted trees before it gets dark and I want to talk to everyone before they lock up. Theo especially. I missed him yesterday and he owes me a box of painkillers.’