Cora had always loved writing her name in her books, a stamp of ownership, something that was hers. All those words, a map of a story, and she got to claim it. So many words, all at her fingertips. She used to think it was silly, claiming ownership like that. But now, her eyes trained on Lisa packing them away, Cora saw it for what it was.

“Thanks for coming.” Cora’s voice was quieter than she had intended, but she meant it. She hadn’t been sure if Alec would try to do something, to ignore her wish for him to not be in the house. Knowing Lisa would be there had made coming that much easier. Especially after the day Cora had had.

Lisa didn’t even turn around, but she didn’t need to.

“Anytime, sunshine.”

Cora dragged the suitcase upstairs. It was so strange to think that this could be the last time she would be inside here.

First, she got the painting from the spare room, a sweeping seascape from Rottnest Island, the one she’d bought from a man selling his artwork on the street, her eyes roaming his creations until they’d settled on this one. After leaving it resting against the banister next to the stairs, she paused outside the bedroom door. With the suitcase handle biting into her hand, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The second she did, she froze, grip tightening even further as sweat broke out over her body.

Alec sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for her. “Hi, Cora.”

Cora’s mouth was suddenly dry. Her tongue traced her bottom lip, as if that could help. “Alec. Why are you here?”

Why couldn’t he have done this one thing?

“We need to talk.” His voice was oddly calm, in a way that made her feel anything but.

“We have talked.” Cora really didn’t have this in her. Not after the day, not after everything. What more was there to say?

“I think I get it now.”

That comment intrigued her. He understood her motives for the divorce now? Was he going to apologise, to start a dialogue? Did he want to talk it out, to get some closure?

When she didn’t say anything, and just watched him with a careful eye, he continued. “You’re fucking Frazer from Midwifery.”

Everything stopped around her. His expression hadn’t changed. He simply watched her, impassive. There was a ringing in her ears, the feeling of the world tilting on its axis.

She cleared her throat. “Why would you think that?”

“Don’t patronise me. It’s not what I think, it’s what I know. I saw you in the canteen.” His eyes hardened ever so slightly.