Getting an extra Bank Holiday for the Queen’s funeral was an unexpected bonus. Steve writes telecomms billing software, and he isn’t exactly gutted about missing another day of that. He wasn’t planning on watching it, but he makes himself a cup of tea and some toast and Marmite and switches the TV on, and there it is.

Steve isn’t sure he believes in the monarchy. The massed ranks of pipers are pretty impressive, though. Uniformed troops marching perfectly in time. Would he feel like he had his life on track if somebody else was choosing the direction, and progress was ranked? And now the Navy shackled up to a cart like beasts of burden, dragging a coffin topped with a shiny gold ball and a crown worth more than they’d all collectively earn in a lifetime. You just can’t get your head round that much gold and diamonds being real. It looks like plastic. And working people are going to foodbanks.

When they go into Westimister Abbey and the organ music starts, he turns it off. Steve isn’t sure he believes in God. His sister, Angela, is dying of brain cancer. She has 3 months left at best. There is nothing he can do to help her or her family, and he can maybe afford to fly to Australia to see them once, so he has to choose between going before she dies or attending her funeral. He doesn’t want someone in charge of the Universe who thinks cancer is a great idea. Some people told him, “Everything happens for a reason.” Steve really wants to slap those people in the face and yell, “The reason is cancer fucking exists!” He hasn’t. Yet.

He switches on his PS4 and loads up Minecraft. His plans for the railway system are coming along nicely. Mine the resources, build the track. Just put down one sleeper after another.

What’s that scratching sounds? He mutes the TV and listens. It seems to be coming from right outside the house. He puts down the controller, heads out into the hall, and open his front door. Nobody there. But it’s warmer outside than he thought, the sun is out, some high clouds scudding along. Birds singing. He closes the door, grabs his tea and heads into the back garden.

The nasturtiums are drooping a bit after such a long dry spell. Steven does believe in nasturtiums. They have cheerful bright flowers and leaves you can eat. He fills a watering can from his water butt and pours them a drink. Then he makes the rounds of his little plot to see where else he can make a difference.

Steve didn’t notice the little X scratched on the bottom right of his door. There is one on Millie’s door. She was dancing to Lizzo when Steve switched off the news. There is one on Jack and Ruth’s door. They were having a barbeque in the garden with their friends. There are more.