‘And who’s this, love?’ Michael looked at me.

‘This is my friend Grace I was telling you about, she’s a wonderful cook, she helps me all the time…’ Jenny’s voice was wavering.

Michael’s eyes were drawn to Mikee again.

‘There he is, my wee lad. Miracle this one, popped out at home, did Jenny tell you? Middle of summer, midwife got there just as his head came out.’

‘Yes, yes. She told me,’ I said. Jenny had told me the story enough times, it was etched in my brain, but when I would recall it later, I would switch some of the details to suit me better.

‘Emily, you remember my husband, Michael? Could you possibly see about getting him to sit down for a cup of tea and some of that Victoria sponge? Victoria sponge is your favourite isn’t it, Michael?’ Jenny said through a strained smile.

‘Ooo yes, Victoria sponge, yes that would be wonderful!’ Michael said with unnecessary enthusiasm. He turned to walk away with Emily, but before he did, I saw the look he flashed at Jenny, a vile wretched look I recognised from my own childhood.

As I watched more colour drain from Jenny’s face, she turned to me and I saw her physically shudder.

‘I just need you to do something for me, Grace.’ She placed her hand on my arm.

I listened intently. Jenny did need me after all. Of course she did. I was silly to ever doubt her.

I began to feel overwhelmed with excitement at finally being able to help, to be able to do something that meant something. All the horrors of the moments in the toilet were evaporating around me. I had been there so many times already, but it never stopped hurting. I felt as though I was being physically lifted up by Jenny’s request. Sweet kind, beautiful Jenny, who needed me. The words came at me, but not in any order, I felt giddy with all the emotion.

‘Mikee… help me… favour… keep him safe…’ Jenny was looking at me and smiling then she walked to Mikee and gave him a kiss on his lips. The child, still seated on the bench worktop, responded by throwing his arms around Jenny’s waist and squeezed her with his eyes shut tightly and then Jenny was gone. She was making her way across the room to her husband.

I thought of my husband taking his last items from the house, without a care for anyone and I thought about the baby that left my womb before I’d barely had time to acknowledge it.

And I realised how lost I was going to be.

I didn’t deserve that. I deserved better. I deserved to be a mother if nothing else. And that child deserved better.

I began to edge closer to Mikee. Jenny had asked me to take care of him. The husband, Mikee’s father, was a mess. I had seen those bruises for myself they had been on both Jenny and Mikee’s face. It wasn’t fair on anyone. Certainly not the little one.