I set her down gently and soon we are brought a full tea service with all the sweets I like.

"You shouldn't have gone to the trouble, Mum," I chide.

"I didn't do it myself; my friend Eugenia helped me. Do you remember her, the one from Paris? She's come to live with us permanently; she's very kind."

"I'm pleased for you; yes, I remember her."

We lapsed into silence for a while during which, in response to her satisfied smile, I dedicated myself to eating and praising each of her sweets.

"Mum, pack some for me to take away; I've missed them terribly. Nobody makes my favourite sweets quite...