“Did you hear that?” I asked Lorraine; my hands conjuring the words from memory with less than consummate skill - I was always fingers and thumbs in anything I did.

Her blank expression led me to try again, slowly this time.

“Did…” Not the easiest to frame, but along with a questioning expression the word was formed.

“you…” Easy one this: just point towards Lorraine.

“hear…” Also straightforward : cup hand round ear in a listening way.

“that?” And finish with a stupid expression and an enquiring gesture to one side.

A look of understanding crossed Lorraine’s face. She smiled at me and spoke quietly and clearly to me words I shall remember forever.

“No, you idiot, I’m deaf!”