They put the footings in to retain the planning permissions. Susan booked the day off to watch. Invited him as well, suggested they take sandwiches and tea, to watch the first part of their house take shape. Afterall, they’d spent eight years fighting the council for the go-ahead. They might not have the funds to build the entire thing yet, but they could celebrate starting.

Then there were doctors, hospitals, a man in a grey suit with a sombre face.

Susan’s brother giving a reading.

All that was left were foundations.