Jill sensed this wasn’t at all what had been on her mind earlier, but she needed to be delicate with her granddaughter. It would be better to bide her time.

‘That’s exciting, your voice has always been so lovely. I’ve missed hearing you. It’s been such a long time — I never understood why you stopped.’

Throughout primary school Callie had always been a part of the choir, and in Year Seven, she’d had a decent role in the school musical. Frank and Jill had often gone along to see her perform. But as she’d hit her teen years, she’d started to grow shy about her talents.

‘I didn’t stop . . . not altogether. I just didn’t like doing it in public anymore.’

‘What’s changed your mind now?’

Callie’s eyes slid sideways. ‘I don’t really know.’

‘Well, I’m glad you’re doing it. And stage fright is completely normal. I think nerves can even help you perform . . . or something like that. I’ll admit performing isn’t really my thing. Would it help if you practised for me? I can promise to be completely objective.’

Callie laughed. ‘You really think you can be objective?’

‘Absolutely, Scout’s honour.’

Callie looked like she was considering it but then she changed her mind. ‘Nah,’ she said. ‘I’m not really in the mood for singing.’

‘Fair enough. Hey, do you want to play a game of Rummikub? You used to love that.’

‘Sure, that sounds good.’

Jill mentally congratulated herself for coming up with a good idea and went to collect the box of numbered tiles.

They sat and played for a good half an hour, chatting about other things. About the twins. About school. About singing. Each time Jill asked a question she tried to keep her voice casual. Tried to make sure it didn’t sound like she was probing too much.

‘Tell me something,’ said Jill as she placed a row of tiles on the board that cleared four of her highest numbers and left her with only two tiles to get rid of. ‘What does “OK boomer” mean?’

Callie almost snorted with laughter. ‘OMG, Grandma. Where do you hear these things?’

‘I think someone said it on the radio.’

‘Right,’ said Callie. ‘Well, the main thing you need to know is that it’s an insult. So, if anyone says “OK boomer” to you, you tell them to fuck right off. Got it?’

Jill made sure she didn’t baulk at Callie swearing. A little while back, she’d told her that she was allowed to swear in front of her whenever she wanted. It was important for kids to have rules at home, but with their grandma? That was when they were allowed to express themselves without judgement, when they could completely relax. And today in particular, Jill wanted Callie to feel relaxed, to feel safe, to feel like she could open up if she wanted to.