‘Really great,’ I nod. ‘Peru is stunning.’

‘I bet,’ says Mum, who has never been keen on the idea of travelling herself but has revelled in our stories over the years – I’ve no doubt she’s repeated them all to the girl at the check-out in Tesco, to the local butcher, to their rabbi, to all of her mates and anyone she can stop for a chat.

‘And, did you do it?’ Anju asks, an expectant and hopeful smile on her pretty face that looks remarkably like her daughter’s.

I nod, taking her hand. ‘There was a beautiful spot after a particularly tough morning. It was really stunning.’

‘She’d like that,’ Sajan says with a frown and a nod, something I’ve learnt is not him showing his displeasure, but rather him trying to keep hold of his emotions.

‘I’ve got photos of the place we chose, I’ll show you,’ I say, patting the bag on my back.

‘We’d love that,’ Anju says, gripping hold of Sajan’s arm.

‘Well done, love,’ says my mum.

Dad squeezes my shoulder.

‘It’s the rents!’ laughs Zaza, coming over to greet them all, causing the rest of our extended group to do the same, even the kids.

I take a step back and observe the busyness, the love that’s shared and passed between them, and I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude, affection and hope. How lucky I am to still have all of this in my life. How thankful I am to be able to see that again, be aware of it, and truly believe it.

‘Come here, you!’ Vicky says, prising herself away from the kids and reaching over to me. ‘A million thank yous for letting us tag along with you. I know that wasn’t really the deal. That wasn’t part of her request of you, the Rule … but I’m so glad you let us join you. I wouldn’t have done it otherwise and, well, I needed it,’ she says, her lips curving into a huge smile.

‘There’s no denying I did too,’ I admit.

‘Are you two getting emotional without me?’ Zaza calls, throwing her arms around us and giving us a squeeze. ‘You two are the total nuts, you know that?’

‘The total fucking nuts,’ I whisper, making them laugh as I look over my shoulder to make sure my mum hasn’t heard me. They know she doesn’t take kindly to filth coming out of my mouth, even if I am a grown man in my thirties. These two on the other hand, they love it.

‘In all seriousness, though,’ says Vicky, her face looking a lot more measured. ‘There are no two people I’d rather get the runs with.’

‘That’s love right there,’ I laugh.

‘I know,’ she nods.

‘I think we’ve peaked,’ laughs Zaza.

‘Well, there’s certainly no going back now,’ I mutter.