Turns out I didn’t know the half of it.

I heard Mum and Dad arguing on their video-call later that evening. Aiden and I had gone to the pool, but I’d got out to use the bathroom and it was as I was going back that I heard Dad’s voice in the kitchen. I don’t know why I stopped. I wouldn’t normally listen in to my parents’ conversation – mainly because it would be really boring – but for some reason, maybe the tone in Dad’s voice, I stopped by the door and peeked in. He had his back to me and he was staring down at the tablet in his hand. I took a step or two to one side. I didn’t want Mum to see me appear in the corner of her screen.

‘I understand why you have to be away so often, Chrissie. I do,’ said Dad. ‘The work you do is incredibly important and you know I’ve always been totally supportive …’

‘So what’s changed now?’ Mum’s voice was a bit tinny and there was a slight echo to it, but she was in New Delhi, so the reception probably wasn’t as good as normal.

‘Nothing’s changed. It’s just that Ashleigh’s getting older, becoming more independent and I think I really need to take a look at my life, what I’ve achieved or what I could achieve, before it’s too late.’

‘You’ve always been happy to stay at home …’

‘Yeah, I’ve loved it. Seriously loved it. But when you get old, Chrissie, you’ll be able to look back on a life that’s accomplished so much, done so much good in the world, whereas I … well, I’m not saying being a stay-at-home dad isn’t valuable. I know it is. But I’m not sure I’m needed anymore. Maybe it’s time to … I don’t know, do something.’

‘Is this a mid-life crisis, Gareth?’

‘Oh, for God’s sake …’ Dad put a hand to his head and the tablet to his chest. He took a deep breath and lifted the device up once more. ‘All I’m saying is that when the kids are at school I could do something that, in only a small way, maybe, would help. I dunno. Maybe volunteer work at the food kitchens for the poor, that kind of thing. Help out with renewal of vegetation. Or give free classes on vegetable production to those in need. And, if all that goes well, maybe doing something like that full-time. We could employ a nanny or something, give work to a person who probably desperately needs it. God knows we’ve got the money to do it.’

There was silence at Mum’s end for a few seconds.

‘Let’s talk about this when I get home, Gareth,’ she said. ‘I didn’t know you were unhappy with your life and of course you should do something if you feel it has no meaning. Gotta go. Talk later. Bye.’

‘I’m not saying my life has no meaning, Chrissie …’ But she was gone. Dad stared at the screen for a moment or two and then put his tablet down on the kitchen table. He put it down with more force that I thought was strictly necessary. I suddenly realised that if he turned now, he’d catch me eavesdropping, so I tiptoed past the door and back to the pool room.