“Hello, stranger,” said the girl, laying down about twenty football magazines and two DVDs for Jamie as she arrived. “Long time no see.”

“Jack!” said, Jamie, his face immediately brightening. “So good to see you.”

“Likewise,” smiled Jack. She had been so badly affected by the news when it had come through that she had immediately tried to book a flight to Spain. Had it not been for the fact that only family were allowed to see Jamie while he was unconscious, she would have been by his side the entire time. “So how are you? Your mum told me it’s complicated?”

“Kind of,” said Jamie. “Memory-wise, I can remember everything now, except what happened in Barcelona. And football-wise, we don’t know yet. They reckon the head injury has affected my coordination, which explains why I’m walking like I’m drunk. I’m going to work with Archie over here until I’m ready to go back.”

“Well, if you want to know how you did, you can watch these,” said Jack, holding up the DVDs she’d brought. “These are the games you played for Barça. I got the office to make copies for me. You did well, Jamie. You smashed it over there. They love you!”

“Really?” said Jamie. His huge smile was unmistakable. The colour returned to his cheeks. “You know what? I really needed someone to tell me that. Thanks, Jack, you’re a great mate.”

There was a short silence.

“Can I ask you a question, Jamie?” said Jack.

“Course you can.”

“Is everything that happened in Barcelona a complete blank for you? Can you remember any of the conversations that you had with … people out there?”

“Nope. Not a thing. It’s a complete blank. It’s like those whole couple of months have been erased. It’s mental. To think I’ve played for the best club in the world and I can’t remember any of it. That’s why it’s lucky you brought me those DVDs.”

Jamie looked at Jack. Her face seemed to have changed.

“You OK, Jack?”

“Yeah, it’s just… I’m fine. Look, I’ve got to coach my girls’ team tonight and I’ve got loads to do at the office. I’ll catch up with you later, OK?”

“OK, mate,” smiled Jamie. “Thanks for coming.”