sychologists recently made a discovery.

After a lot of research, they found that the visual perception of a geographical slant is influenced by both physiological resources, like age and fitness, as well as psychological assets, like social support and camaraderie.

In fact, their studies showed that even the thought of not being alone decreases a potential gradient and makes it feel like less of a physical challenge.

You know what that means?

Scientifically, a hill feels a lot less steep when climbed with a friend.

I could have told them that for free.

As I race towards Heathrow, it feels like every step I take is easier and less overwhelming: as if the hill I’ve been struggling up doesn’t seem quite as steep any more.

Not now there’s somebody to climb it with me.

Feeling lighter already, I elbow my way to the front of the arrival gates and watch travel-weary people emerge: smiling, kissing and laughing. Looking eagerly around for the people they love most.

And then I see one of mine.

Pale yellow puffy dress covered in pictures of tiny purple lollipops; purple high-heeled shoes with ribbons on them; a short black bob curled into ringlets with a purple bow on top.

A beautiful face: radiant and rosy.

And as a rush of brightness pulses through me, there’s an enormous squeak, three unicorn-stickered suitcases are dropped on the floor and I’m covered in a storm of cheek-kisses, twinkle and under-netting.

It’s like being rugby-tackled by a particularly affectionate fairy.

And I’ve missed it so much.

“Harry-chan!” Kiss. “Oh my goshing! It is actually you!” Kiss kiss. “And I am here myself! In this happy place of United Kingdoms!” Kiss. “We will be having all of the fun.” Kiss. “Just you wait and saw!”

Kiss kiss kiss kiss.

And there – in tiny yellow-frilled ankle socks, like a Japanese superhero – is the one person I knew could really make a difference to Wilbur’s agency.

My second-best girlfriend in the entire world.

Rin.