The silence that followed his question lasted for an uncomfortable few moments. Sylvia looked as if she was screwing up her courage to speak, and finally she came out with it.

‘The thing is, you see … well, I did quite a bit of thinking when I was home … This kind of thing, it makes you see what’s important.’

Frank’s expression grew puzzled as he picked up on her different tone of voice.

‘You’ve been lovely to me,’ she went on, ‘I couldn’t ask for a better man, a kinder man, I felt I could tell you anything. But … but it’s not enough.’ She looked down miserably. ‘We have a good time, we go to the cinema, and I’ve loved it, but … I think we should stop now.’

Frank’s jaw dropped. Whatever he’d been expecting, it wasn’t this. ‘Are – are you sure?’ he managed after a pause. ‘You’re not just saying this because of your father? You’re upset, you’re bound to be, but I’ll wait, if that’s what you’d like.’

Sylvia shook her head. ‘No. That wouldn’t be fair. It’s not because of Dad – or rather, that shook me up, and made me see what was happening with you and me more clearly. I could see the way Mum was with Dad, even though they were old and grey and … and I just can’t see us like that, Frank. I’m sorry.’

Frank turned away, his emotions churning. Then he glanced downwards. Was this because of his leg? Had she felt embarrassed by his disability all this time and kept it hidden? Quick as ever, she caught his movement and realised what it meant. ‘Frank, please.’ She waited until he met her eyes once more. ‘It’s not about your leg. Believe me, I don’t mind about that at all. I think you’re wonderful, the way you don’t let it stop you doing what you want, and I’ve been proud to be walking out with you. It’s not that. It’s … oh, it’s hard to put my finger on.’ She screwed her eyes tight shut for a second, as if she was assembling the words in her head. ‘It’s like sometimes you’re not quite there. As if there’s someone else in between us.’

Frank’s chin went up sharply. ‘What do you mean? I’ve never two-timed you – I wouldn’t do a thing like that.’