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“No,” said Tilly. “Not now. Go to your dad first. Go on.”

And she had no choice. Gio was pulling her into the room and then he was there, pale and weary looking, but smiling, his eyes sparkling.

“Didn’t think I’d go without giving you some trouble, did you?” he said.

Sophie collapsed onto him, hugging him as gently as she could while tears fell from her eyes.

“No, no,” her dad said. His voice was weak. “Sit up, both of you. I need to talk to you before… before.”

“Dad, I should have been there,” Gio said.

“No,” said their father. “I should have taken better care of myself. And I’m going to. You’ve not seen the back of me yet. Gi, I’m proud of you. I might not say it enough, but I am. You’re a good lad and you’re a brilliant mechanic. Better than I ever was. I love you, son. Don’t forget that.”

Gio nodded and turned away, not wanting his tears to be seen.

“And you,” he said, turning to Sophie. “I was wrong.”

“About what?”

He closed his eyes. “Life’s short, Soph. Life’s short and shitty and there’s the occasional glimpse of sunshine.” He opened his eyes again. “You know what makes it all worth it?”

She shook her head.

“Love. That’s it. The only thing. Love for your kids, love for your pets, love for your friends. And love, real love. It doesn’t come along often, but when it does, you need to grab it with both hands like a bloody life raft.”

“I don’t understand,” Sophie began.

“She’s out there,” said her dad. “She saved my life. And I know you love her. I’ve known you your whole life. I can read your face as well as my own. You’re angry at her and you’re confused about things, but that doesn’t take away the fact that you’ve fallen in love with her.”

“Dad—”

“Tell her,” he said, eyes closing again. “If I wake up from this damn operation and you’re still single, there’s going to be hell to pay.”

Sophie squeezed his hand, and the door opened, admitting a nurse. Sophie bit back a sob.

“Enough of that nonsense. I’m going to be fine,” her dad said. “Now, off with the two of you, I’ll see you on the other side of this.”

She and Gio waited as her father’s bed was wheeled out.

“I need to move the car,” Gio said when he was gone.

“Go on then,” said Sophie, knowing that he wanted to be alone for a while, wanted to shed some private tears.

She let him go and took a deep breath before she walked out into the corridor.

Tilly was still there.

“Sophie,” she said, standing up.

“No,” said Sophie. “Sit down, be quiet, and listen to me.”

Tilly sat.

Sophie took a second to gather her thoughts.

“You’re right,” she said, finally.

“About?”