Andy Marr

I looked at Emma and realised that she was grinning – actually grinning – directly at me. ‘Love you, Jamie,’ she said. I fought back a sudden prickling of tears, then told her that I loved her too. And for that moment, nothing more was required. It was, in its way, perfect. I felt safe, and strangely optimistic. My worries had disappeared, like rain on summer earth. I took a deep breath, savoured the feeling for a few seconds more. Then, with a final smile, I turned from the room, secure in the knowledge that even the most difficult times contained moments that made a person feel truly alive.