The treatment remained ongoing and Callum’s strength had improved in some ways while limitations persisted in others.

The clinicians reviewed the latest information with measured language, outlining what to watch and what the next months might involve.

On the way home Callum asked whether I had been disappointed not to hear a more definite prediction.

I admitted I had.

He admitted he had too.

“I keep waiting for someone to say it’ll all go back to the way it was,” he said.

“Would you actually want all of it back?”