[Paul has thought about the way Falco said brother many times since, a wound he has left untouched in the belief that Falco is being taken care of.

His hand comes up to the younger boy's shoulder again. He feels the slimness of it, the delicate set of his bones, and presses his thumb down, like an anchor.]

I won't be staying on the beach forever. Only until next month. [He keeps his gaze on the cottage, allowing Falco that little bit of privacy.] If you haven't found anyone to stay with by then...I'm not very good at looking after myself. I could use help.