I tense up as soon as I hear the doorbell. I know it’s him. I know it’s Dan. Sarah’s still upstairs getting ready, and I hope she comes down soon. I don’t want him coming in here.

Mom calls up to Sarah, and I hear Sarah say she’ll be down in a minute. “We’ve been keeping her busy, I’m afraid,” Mom tells Dan, “so she hasn’t had much time to get ready!”

“I know she wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Dan. “She’s a gem—and you too. What you do for these kids.”

I listen to them chatting away and Mom laughing at Dan’s jokes. Everyone loves Dan. Then Mom says she has to get back to the kitchen—she’s left things on the stove and she’s sure Sarah won’t be long.

It’s quiet for a moment. I hear the distant clattering of pans in the kitchen. Then I hear Dan’s voice, coming closer as he speaks.

“What show are you watching? Ah...Pointless!”

I can hear him breathing. Then he whispers, “A little like your life, isn’t it, Jemma?”

He’s standing behind me now, but I can’t see him because my wheelchair is facing the TV. I try to focus on the game show questions and forget he’s there, but he gives a long, dramatic sigh.

“Don’t know how you can stand it.” His voice is low, not loud enough to be overheard. “Watching television must be the most excitement you get.” He only speaks like this when no one else is around. He used to ignore me completely, but not anymore.