AM and CO were reputed to duet together. The former was particularly popular: it was said that she sang as beautifully as Carey Mulligan.

On Paisley Gala Day, however, AM refused to sing. She preferred to watch the parade through the streets incognito from the sidelines. In contrast my university pal JS, on holiday in Scotland with her family, was determined to join in the fun. She ducked under a pink tarpaulin at the head of the parade and proudly marched along the route next to the local hairdresser.

Meanwhile I dug into the box of cereal that I had found in KT’s rucksack. I picked out lumps of Flake chocolate from amongst the oats and raisins and popped them into my mouth. This really annoyed KT.