My heart almost jumped into my throat as the crow let out a sudden caw, flapping its wings as though to remind us of its presence. Mrs Barley absently tossed it the remaining chunk of her scone. Taking the fragment in its beak, the bird hopped back out into the garden and rose into the sir, resuming its perch on the summer house roof. I desperately wanted to close the door to prevent it from re-entering, but resisted the urge.

Mrs Barley looked away again, staring straight ahead. Her eyes had misted over. ‘What were you saying? Oh, my brother. Long passed, too.’ There was an uncomfortable pause. ‘Life can be cruel, Stina. You need to seize the day, as the saying goes.’

Her words made me sad. On impulse, I reached out and squeezed her hand.

‘It must be lonely for you. Please don’t hesitate to knock on our door if you need company. You’re always welcome. I’m lonely sometimes, too. It can be a bit isolating when you work from home. And I don’t have anyone I can turn to now, either – well, not really.’

My eyes dropped and I felt a stab of guilt as I thought of my mother; still breathing, maybe, but no longer a part of my life. It had been a tough call, and I felt bad about it, but I couldn’t face visiting her any more. Her increasingly bizarre behaviour and violent outbursts had forced me to make a decision that I wasn’t proud of; but for the sake of my own sanity and possibly even safety, especially now I had the baby to consider, I knew I had to stop going to the home.

Mrs Barley patted my cheek. ‘You’re a sweet girl, Stina. Please don’t feel obliged to invite me round or anything, though – I don’t want to intrude. I like to make myself useful, and if I can do that it makes me happy. I’m very glad that you and Jack have moved in next door. You’ve been a breath of fresh air after the succession of wasters that have lived there over the last few years.’ She jerked her head towards Wisteria Cottage, her nose wrinkling.

‘It’s good to feel there’s someone I can relate to in the village at last. And it’s lovely to see the two of you together. I can see how much you care for one another – it warms my heart. Reminds me of how Frank and I used to be. Some people are just meant to be together.’

I shifted awkwardly in my seat. ‘We don’t feel obliged, honestly. You’ve been so considerate and helpful, and we feel lucky to have you as our neighbour. And friend,’ I added hastily. ‘Anything that’ll repay your kindness is the very least we can do.’