Later that day, Seb’s discharged from hospital and Dad’s heading back to Middlesbrough. He and Mam are over by his car while Seb and I wait on the same wall where I had been just a couple of days ago. Seb’s in his goalie top, of course.

Seb nudges me. ‘Look at Mam and Dad!’ he says, and when I do I see they are laughing!

Okay, not exactly laughing, but Dad has said something with a smile, and Mam has smiled back at him. Then she nods warmly and puts her hand on his forearm and keeps it there for a little while, then she moves away, beckoning us to follow her to Uncle Pete’s car.

‘Lads!’ calls Dad as we get up and go over to him. The three of us stand a bit awkwardly for a moment. Eventually, Dad says, ‘Erm, how about you’s two come and see me soon, eh? Middlesbrough versus Luton? I can get tickets?’

I have never been to a proper football match before and nor has Seb, whose face splits into a big grin. His favourite goalkeeper plays for Middlesbrough.

‘Awethome!’ He puts his arms round Dad and then recoils. ‘Dad! You … erm … you don’t smell too good.’

Dad’s brow furrows and he sniffs his hand. ‘Sorry, pal, I know. I’ve had this strange smell clinging to me all morning. Since I woke up, in fact. I’ve had a shower, honest!’

I step forward and sniff. ‘Crocodile guts,’ I say and his head jerks round as he stares at me, open-mouthed.

‘What? I … I had a … I can’t remember, but …’

‘You had a dream about being inside a crocodile?’

‘Erm … yeah. How did you know that?’

I shrug. ‘Just a guess, Dad. I daresay the smell will wear off, though.’

He looks at me closely. I don’t want to tell him more, not yet, anyway. Mam calls us to hurry up, and Dad laughs and gets into his car.

‘I hope you’re right! Boro v. Luton. See you then!’