‘Obviously they got here late. Then, they refused to stay in the area as the hotels weren’t good enough. But they come around every day, mostly to reiterate their disapproval.’ Emma walks over to the kitchenette and hands Kiama back to Yvonne, shaking her arms once free of him. ‘Are you shocked?’

‘By what?’

‘That he’s Lewis’s. I thought you would have mentioned it as soon as you saw him.’ Emma’s voice drops, ‘I know it probably sounds stupid, but even when I was carrying him I knew. I could feel it.’

Yvonne exhales, it’s almost too much for her. ‘He’s spewing up a bit. Do you have something I can cover my clothes with?’

Emma pulls a tea towel from a cupboard and tucks it under Kiama’s chin.

‘You remember Julie? Lewis’s mum? I think you met her at the barbecue. She forced him to visit yesterday. But he didn’t say anything, just stood off to the side looking shell-shocked. Though, Julie brought me a tub of beef stew. Said I needed to start eating red meat so I could build up my iron stores.’ Emma rolls her eyes then heads back to the sofa. ‘She means well, I guess. She actually caught me at a pretty rough time. It was embarrassing crying in front of her. But then, I’m crying in front of everyone at the moment. Lewis probably didn’t even notice, not that he’d care either way. And you know what the worst part is?’

Yvonne’s not sure she wants to hear anymore.

‘That even after all this, how he treated me last summer, how he’s ignored me the last few months, if he wanted to get back together and make a go of things, I would.’ She leans her head back and Yvonne notices the thinness of her friend’s skin, the darkness under her eyes. ‘But he can’t stand me. The way he looked at me yesterday was like I’d ruined his life. I don’t think he’s going to be much of a dad to Kiama.’

Emma carries on talking while Yvonne closes her eyes until the threat of tears passes. Only when she knows her voice will be normal enough does she ask, ‘How can you be sure? Babies change so much. He’s really fair.’

‘Look at him, Yvonne, he’s a mini Lewis.’

Yvonne nods and Kiama begins to fuss. She tries to hand him back but Emma doesn’t take him, only holds out another bottle. ‘Maybe he wants to eat again. I don’t know.’

Yvonne switches position and he stops.