The thought hangs in the air for a moment or two as we look at each other, sizing up our reactions. Vicky looks set to burst at the idea, Mike looks confused and I feel like this could turn into the thing I didn’t know I needed. I have to do something to help me process all the big emotions I’ve been feeling lately. I need time to breathe and work out what it is that I want so that I don’t risk ruining something that might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. A shift in my focus might just save me from myself.

‘We …’ Mike starts, his finger waving between us in a slightly more controlled manner than Vicky just did, hesitating as he formulates his words, and opinion. ‘… could.’

‘We can,’ nods Vicky.

‘It’s a nice idea but let’s slow down a minute. It’s not that easy to just get up and go,’ says Mike, his eyebrows meeting in a frown as he stares at the paper in his hands.

‘Defeats the purpose of the Rules and the let’s-just-go side of things if we all sit and don’t do as she’s said,’ I suggest with a shrug.

‘You have a wedding to plan,’ he says, his voice rising a notch. Pointing at me before turning to Vicky and repeating the gesture. ‘And you have a very busy husband and two kids!’

‘You’re making factual points,’ nods Vicky thoughtfully. ‘I’ve never left them for any period of time but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t. It might be good for me – and them!’

‘I’ve just agreed to my first job back. I’ve got work,’ he continues to explain, his mouth twisting.

‘Big job?’ asks Vicky.

‘Not massive but it’ll start the ball rolling and get my feet back in the door so I can see whether it feels right,’ he explains, talking as though we might think it’s too soon for him to be doing it.

Having watched him over the last few months I think we both feel far from that. Normality is needed, a sense of forward motion. He needs a focus, and this added nugget is a part of that. I know it is.

‘All right, we don’t have to go right this second then, we can take our time and plan it before we all scoot off to the airport,’ I reason. ‘And it’s not like any of us can go for a year-long hiking around the world trip anyway. Let’s be sensible here –’

Vicky interrupts with a dramatic sigh. ‘If this were a film we’d be halfway to the airport right now having snatched up a swimsuit and a toothbrush. I’d be standing up through the taxi’s sunroof and laughing my head off while looking young and free.’