So 25 years later what does the body actually remember? I had a major exercise in muscle memory ce soir when I returned to gymnastics training, not having done much aside from swing on the odd bar at the park and demonstrate a cartwheel to my wee man.

Forward motions have remained. Backwards less so. Press to handstand no problem, cartwheel, round off, not a bother but a backward roll just impossible. And tomorrow I shall be shuffling and convening with Advil. The truth of muscle memory will be revealed overnight. A wonderful return none the less. A neurological treat as well. The comfort of repetition and line after line and a forty year old throwing a flic, tuck back beside me like she was only answering a phonecall.