When I was a little boy my goldfish died. It was still, in its bowl, lying one eye up on top of the water. My mother told me it was dead but I didn’t believe her. I put my finger in the water and stirred it. “See” I said as the goldfish rode the swirl. My mum just stroked my hair and gave me a settling glance. Then………I knew. I remember this very clearly because it made me feel more grown up and a little stronger in myself.