Had she been a more forthright woman – the sort that actually made money off her gifts – then Cassie might have pressed on, but it had been a long time since she had even attempted to do that. The hope in people’s eyes was bad enough, but having to tell them that their loved ones were going to end their days like…well…that? She had never learnt that particular trick and she didn’t have it in her to lie, as she knew others did.

“Please, I’m…I’m sorry, it was impolite of me to bring him up,” she muttered, taking another step away, glancing over her shoulder nervously. She should leave. Just go and leave this man to his friend and end this moment forever but before she did, she couldn’t stop herself from speaking once again: “Just. Treasure him, Mr Crouch.”