I was lost for words. Alfie suddenly burst through the door, squealing with laughter as Jobie almost knocked him over with an exuberant nudge. I steered them back outside and checked on Elodie, who had mercifully been sleeping throughout the proceedings.

The ambulance arrived within minutes. The paramedics introduced themselves as Lynn and Shoba, then came straight into the living room. They exuded an air of calm and efficiency as they took over. Lucy lay Georgie carefully on the settee, looking on anxiously as Shoba, the younger of the two, examined the listless infant, whose breathing was thankfully beginning to sound more normal. He had stopped twitching and seemed more aware of his surroundings.

‘I suspect he’s had a febrile convulsion,’ she explained. ‘Little ones can’t regulate their own temperature like adults, and if they overheat when they have a virus or something, this sometimes happens. It’s like a safety valve. It can be pretty scary, I know, but they’re rarely dangerous. Keep a close eye on him and give him the paracetamol suspension to keep his temperature in check. If it happens again, lay him on his side and stay with him – just observe how long it goes on for. If it’s passed within about a quarter of an hour, that’s definitely all it is. It’s just one of those things – some are more prone to it than others. You’ll need to look out for it, now he’s had an episode, as unfortunately it’s not usually a one-off. But they all outgrow it by the time they’re about five or six.’

Lucy stared at the baby, almost as if she couldn’t quite believe he was still breathing.

‘So, he’s going to be okay? He doesn’t need to go into hospital or anything?’

‘He’ll be fine. But you did the right thing calling us, always better to be safe than sorry with a little one.’ She studied Lucy with evident concern. ‘What about you? Are you all right, love?’

Lucy looked embarrassed. She nodded mutely. There was a pause and the women exchanged glances.

We thanked the paramedics, and I showed them out. Lucy dissolved into tears. I put an arm round her shoulder.

‘It’s okay, Georgie’s going to be okay. Don’t worry.’

‘But what if he hadn’t been? What if it had been something really serious? I needed his bloody father here right now, even if he is a tool, and I don’t even know where he is. I tried his mobile earlier and he’s not picking up. I’ve had enough, Stina. I need someone I can rely on. I can’t cope with this any more. I don’t know where it’s all going to end. I’m going back to my mum’s.’