I ache with Sarah when she holds our little girl and cries.

"Mummy missed you very much," I say, stroking her hair and smoothing her aura. A dirty trick, perhaps, but a father's privilege. "And now, you should get some sleep and remember: don't tell your brother. Surprise, right?"

My other hand is still on Sarah's shoulder and I move it to rub her back reassuringly. I look forward to returning to our rooms and to falling asleep while holding her.