Діти

The suitcase was already leaning against the front door while the pot on the hob still simmered with

Dad, Ill call you, said the girl in the front row, clutching her phone to her chest as if it were the

Okay, Ill ring dad, the little girl in the front row announced, clutching her phone to her chest as if

The long dinner table was crowded with expensive dishes and a smug air of selfsatisfaction.

By the long dining table the room felt cramped, crowded with sumptuous dishes and an air of smug selfsatisfaction.

Claire Bennett hangs up the phone and stares at it for a few seconds as if it were to blame for everything.

The estate agent, Margaret Sinclair, hung up the phone and stared at it a moment longer, as if the device

Ill be there for you, Ill help you out, he promised, his voice steady. I should have known better, but I didnt.

Ill be there for you, Ill help you, I said, a promise that sounded simple enough when I was fiftytwo

After a few dates, a 45yearold woman asks me over. At dinner I realise Im in her flat and Im not prepared