Katie gasped, but before she could reply he had moved close and was looking threateningly into her face.

‘And don’t you go trying any cheap tricks, like going to the Old Man – he won’t have any cotter with you, I can tell you right now. Your word against mine is hardly going to wash, is it?’

She was shaking her head now. She would never have done that. She didn’t want revenge and trouble – only love, from somewhere at least; and his love, she could see now, she had never had. Her sobs broke into the room.

‘Oh, don’t start that. Look, I’m going to work. You make sure you come in and hand in your notice. And be out of here by the time I get back, as well. This is for you – luckily I had a fair wedge in the house.’

He put the money down on the end of the bed, picked up something from the chair and went to the door.

‘We’ve had some nice times, Katie. Good luck, old girl. You’ll be all right – you’ll see.’

She sat in the quiet after the front door slammed, hugging her knees.

‘You bastard,’ she whispered. ‘You cowardly bastard . . .’

Suddenly she was seized by the need to be sick and ran to the bathroom, bringing up a grainy stream of tea and curdled milk. Afterwards she walked back unsteadily and sat on the bed.

I am alone, she thought, exhaustedly. There’s no one – just you and me. And for the first time she had fellow feeling for the little life growing in her. Picking up the sheaf of notes, she counted it. He had left her a hundred pounds.

She walked through the old familiar streets in darkness that evening, carrying her little holdall, until she reached Enid Thomas’s house.

Thank heavens it’s so dark, she thought, groping her way to the front door.

‘Who is it?’ Enid’s voice came through to her.

‘It’s me,’ she hissed. ‘Katie – Vera’s daughter.’

‘Who? I can’t hear yer!’

Katie rolled her eyes. So much for trying to come in quietly. Eventually Enid opened the door, looking out cautiously. She was dressed in her old slippers and her hair was looking a bit dishevelled.

‘Oh, it’s you, bab.’ Her gentle voice reached Katie soothingly. ‘I wasn’t expecting any visitors. Come on then, quick – mustn’t let the light out.’

Seeing Enid’s familiar figure was a comfort after the lonely, agonizing day she’d had and Katie felt tears rising in her.

‘D’yer want a cup of tea, bab? I’ve got some on the go.’

‘Yes, please – I’d love one.’

‘Might be on the weak side – you know how it is.’

‘Enid . . .’ The tone of Katie’s voice stopped Enid in her tracks. She looked up, the teapot in her hand. ‘I’m sorry to have to ask this, but can you put me up tonight, please? I’ll sleep anywhere – I don’t need anything much, I just haven’t got anywhere to go . . .’ She was babbling, her anxiety spilling out.