Parking outside the house I'd once grown up in, Natalie skipped towards the front door, knocking loudly. I could feel how nervous Cindy was, her hand gripping mine tightly. My father answered the door, immediately scooping up my daughter and tickling her as he noticed me approach with Cindy. He figured out who she was rather quickly, introducing himself and asking us to follow him inside.

"My father's name is Gary," I said, "Mum is Sophie. Brother is James. Sister is Jane. Partners, nieces and nephews will be introduced, or happily introduce themselves."

Mum was pleased to see me as always, giving me a hug, before I introduced Cindy to...