It was just like before; I heard his voice as clear as anything, but his lips didn’t move. He rubs his stubbly chin, seemingly unaware of what just happened, and I realise that he’s been cooking all day to keep his mind off things. I cast around for something to say, something that will help to distract him.

‘I can’t see anyone missing us,’ I offer. ‘Mr Neeson’s probably hired a new trainee already.’ Someone young and pretty he can leer over, and pay less than the minimum wage.

Tom leans across the table and smiles. ‘Nah, I reckon the place will fall apart without us. Uncle Mike’s probably had to close down due to lack of custom.’

‘I doubt it,’ I scoff. ‘You know what Dot and the others are like. They’ll be making the most of their season tickets and visiting every day for the free heating. They smuggle in packed lunches and everything. Do you remember the guy who used to bring in a coffee flask?’

He frowns and I add, ‘He was … hygienically challenged.’

Tom looks at me blankly.

‘He smelt like he wanted to be left alone.’

‘You mean Stinky Pete?’

‘Yeah, him. He got into a fight with another old-timer once. I went over to break it up and found him lying on a bench, swigging from his flask. It wasn’t coffee inside, but lager. Dot’s the same. She sips a bottle of “water” she keeps in her handbag, supposedly to wash down her medication. She got so tipsy once, I had to help her to the bus stop.’

Tom laughs. ‘She told me it was her bunions! Saga louts, the lot of them.’

‘We used to get some right characters, didn’t we?’

He nods. ‘You were always so patient. I don’t know how you put up with them.’

‘I liked talking to the customers.’

And it’s true. I always made a special effort to chat to the visitors who seemed a little lost or alone. I’d share an interesting fact about butterflies or offer to let them hold a pot of nectar. I loved seeing their faces light up when a butterfly landed on them; watching them smile felt magical, like I’d been able to give them a gift. Dot was different, though. I enjoyed our chats as much as she did and we sought each other out. I hope she’s managing to get about; she doesn’t have much family or many friends and I know she’s lonely.

I sigh sadly. ‘Like I say, I can’t see anyone missing us.’

‘Maybe not me, but they’ll notice you’re not there.’

You were the best thing about the place.

I stare at him, startled to hear his voice again. I was looking at his face and I know he didn’t speak.