‘Oh I know,’ I say. ‘But it was a nice thing. It just made me realize that if I am small, then so are the things that make me sad or worried. I might think they’re big, uncontrollable and scary, but they aren’t.’

‘It’s called perspective,’ says Nick, reaching across to place his hand on my shoulder. I tilt my head and kiss his fingers. ‘I love you,’ he mouths. I return the affection.

‘Perspective,’ repeats Barnaby.

‘Perpepsteve,’ laughs Chloe, making us all giggle.

‘Mummy,’ Barnaby says quietly. ‘Because the trip made you and your worry small, does that mean you didn’t miss us?’

‘Oh no, I missed you more than you would believe,’ I say, ruffling his hair. ‘The other thing I learnt is that love is the best thing in the whole wide world, and I have lots of that because of you, Chloe and Daddy. I’m very lucky.’

‘Barns,’ says Nick, reaching over for his hand. ‘Can you please take Chloe downstairs and get her some milk? Then Mummy and Daddy will come and make you some pancakes.’

‘Yes!’ Barnaby screams, as Chloe looks over at Nick with a very happy grin. I watch as Barnaby climbs out of the bed and walks around to help Chloe down too. Hand in hand they leave the room giggling.

‘When did they get so grown up?’

‘Scary, isn’t it?’

‘It is,’ I say, sidling up to him under the covers and enjoying the warmth of him as I run my hand over his back. ‘I’ve missed you.’

‘You too,’ he replies, kissing the top of my nose, his arm hooking around my soft waist.

‘Nick,’ I say quietly.

‘Yes?’ he asks, no doubt looking for the rebuff he’s become accustomed to.

‘I think I might need to make some changes. We need to.’

‘Like?’ he asks, his hand skimming up my pyjamas and resting on my back like he’s supporting me already, even though he has no idea what I’m about to say. At least, I don’t think so.