‘Yep,’ Alice said. The sun was already high and hot and she reached down to cup some water in her hands to splash on her face. Despite the sun the water was cold; she had swum in the lake two days earlier and it had taken her breath away. ‘He’s offering me one more chance.’

‘You interested?’

‘I don’t think so,’ Alice said. ‘It’s weird, but it’s like I’d known for a while that it was over, but I hadn’t realized it. Once I saw it, it was obvious, and I went from feeling like I was in a relationship that was a bit wonky, to being totally sure it was finished. And now I just feel relief. I feel light.’

Her phone buzzed again and she took it from her pocket.

‘Let’s try again,’ she read. ‘What we have is too precious to throw away like this.’

She shook her head.

‘I don’t recognize those feelings, Brenda. I see that message and I disagree. Whatever we had died long ago. Things were good – great, even – at the start, but it’s not been working for a while. And worse, it’s not recoverable. We’re not right for each other.’

‘I doubt Ned agrees,’ Brenda said.

‘I know. But he’s going to have to.’

Another message flashed on the screen.

Why are you ignoring me? What have I done to deserve this?

‘He’s persistent, I’ll give him that,’ Brenda said. She lit a cigarette. ‘And a bit of a baby.’

‘He’s not all bad,’ Alice said. ‘He’s a nice guy, really.’ She typed a reply.

I’m not ignoring you. I’m out walking.

I don’t have to leave. I could come back

I don’t think that’s a good idea

Alice, I love you, and I know you love me. I’m sorry for being like I was but let’s move on. I promise it won’t happen again

This was the moment when, for Ned, this would turn from a bump in the road to the end of their relationship.

I’m sorry Ned, but it’s over

She re-read the words, then hit send, and put her phone face down on the grass.

‘Well,’ she said. ‘I feel like a right bitch now.’

‘What did you say?’

‘Not to come back. That we’re done.’

‘Congratulations,’ Brenda said. ‘That takes guts. But it’s better to be honest. And now you’ve got three more nights out with me!’

‘I was thinking about that,’ Alice said. ‘And I’ve got a spare bed in my room now. You could move in?’

Brenda grinned. ‘Why not? Travel in style for a change. We can split it.’

Alice shook her head. ‘That’s OK. I was paying for it anyway. Just buy me a drink.’

‘You sure?’

‘Sure.’