“My mum told me when I was little that if I ever felt small and sad I should try to make someone else happy and it would make me feel strong and happy. Even if it’s just … letting a bug out of a matchbox. And she was right.”

“Did you feel small and sad this morning?”

“Yes, before I met you.”

“Why?”

“Oh. Just because I do sometimes. And what about you?” Diversionary attack. “Don’t talk to me about big hearts.” He put his bike down. “You play cricket with a little weed like me all day. You teach me good stuff. You look after me. You go to pieces when you think I’ve got hurt. You’re really nice to Robert, even though you think he’s a pest. You’re a total softie! You couldn’t even squash a tomato!”

He threw himself at me and for the second time I had to cope with his massive 80 pounds. (Estimate). He tried to wrestle me to the ground. I made him work for a bit then let him win. Just like you with me, when I was little.

Was this what you aimed to do, Uncle Frank? Make someone feel totally excited and totally safe, at the same time?

And is this what it felt like for you?

***

This episode of The Network is available from www.epublishingonline.co.uk