I’d been punctuating work on my shambolic and overdue presentation notes with visits to survivalist websites. The Gerber Winchester Bowie knife was $69.95, the Sure Throw Camo Throwing Knife Set was $32.99. But since then I’d been trawling through sports websites, thankfully.

‘Yeah, they’re not cheap, though.’

The Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat was $119.99.

‘My Sam used to play baseball all the time,’ Agnë said. ‘He barracks for the Yankees, but these days, his knees …’ She shrugged, smiled. ‘It’s great to show your children this wonderful sport.’

‘Yeah, thanks. They could definitely be more active.’

‘You love those children, I can tell.’

‘I do.’

‘They’re so lucky to have you as a father.’

‘Oh, thanks, Agnë. That’s a lovely thing to say.’

Dingding. Was my nose bleeding? It felt like it.

‘I better get that.’

She sashayed away. Go in peace, Agnë.

From Zac, boom: Am I right in thinking you and Sarah are avoiding me at the moment? I haven’t seen either of you FOR 13 DAYS. Am I being paranoid? Do you guys still want us to rent together???

The stress … I wiped my nose, looked at my fingers – no blood.

I texted: Ha, yeah, maybe a bit paranoid, man! We’re both really slammed this week. And Biddy’s working from home, so she’s offered to take on some more of the childcare load. Part of our new, improved relationship dynamic :/ How’s Josh?

Three dots, quick as always: He’s anxious, dude. Really anxious. As am

I. I feel like I’m being ostracised.

From me: That’s not good about Josh! I’ll call him tonight. Hang in there, buddy. See you soon!

* * *

I clipped into my pedals at the lights, raced away from the other cyclists, wanted to get home.

The outline notes for my presentation were … shite, let’s be honest, but I’d sent them, a day late, but sent something, could do the rest in the morning. I rode, overtook, and …

Wait. Pedalled. Wait, that could actually work. I slowed, stopped, pulled my bike onto the kerb, got my phone from my bag, searched for rentals in Brunswick. A spacious three-bedroom on Glenlyon Road for $750 a week. A viewing this evening at 7.30 pm.

Shaky hands. I texted Zac the link, wrote: Hey man! Check this place out! I’m going to the inspection. The agent’s fine with you not being on the lease, I spoke to him. They just need some info from you: Your driver’s licence, acceptance letter from uni to show you’re a student, and some other form of ID, maybe a bank letter with your (or my!) address or something? Any chance you could ping me those in an email???? If the place looks good I’d like to apply tonight!

I waited, watched my phone. Nothing.

I had him. I fucking had him.

I rolled my bike back onto Royal Parade, pedalled hard, heart racing. Did I have him?