‘You look terrible! That’s why. I’m upset. Have you looked in a mirror recently? The weight is dropping off you. I’m worried, Kate, really worried. You can’t blame me for caring about you.’ He stood up and wrapped the towel around himself, while she stood by the door, looking utterly miserable.

He took her by the shoulders and gently drew her closer. He felt her resist for a second, and then she allowed herself to be embraced.

‘I love you, Kate, and it tears me apart to see you like this. Be honest with me. Have you had a proper meal since last Wednesday?’

She sighed. ‘I’ve picked at things. You know me when I get working, I don’t have time to fanny around cooking. I’ve had stuff from the fridge and sandwiches. Oh, and some fruit.’

He didn’t believe her. He was sure if he checked the fridge, nothing would have been eaten. He had bought her half a dozen individual ready-made meals and even made some of his special Bolognese sauce and put it in the freezer for her. He supposed it was all still there, untouched.

‘This isn’t good enough, Kate,’ he said softly. ‘You have to start looking after yourself or you’re going to get ill. Then you will have no choice about seeing the doctor, will you?’

Her face contorted in fear. Her eyes widened. ‘No doctors! We agreed!’

‘Then you are going to eat and rest. If necessary, I will force-feed you and tie you down, understand?’

‘I’m not on a hunger strike, for Christ’s sake! I just . . . forgot, okay?’

‘No, not okay! Oh God! What a mess!’ He felt tired again. He hugged her tighter. ‘Well, at least I’m here now. I can cook, make sure you get something nutritious down you again. Oh, Kate, what am I going to do with you?’

She looked up at him, her dark eyes filled with emotion. ‘I don’t know, Will. I really don’t.’

‘Will you please make an effort? Now I’m back. Will you try?’

She pulled away from him. ‘I haven’t done any shopping, I’m afraid.’

Will wasn’t surprised to hear that. ‘It’s alright, we can eat the meals that are in the fridge. I’ll go to the supermarket and get fresh bread and milk in the morning. I thought maybe that was where you were when I got home,’ he said. ‘Your car wasn’t here.’

She turned and went to the door. ‘I’ll make you some tea, shall I?’

‘Where were you, sweetheart?’

‘When?’

‘You know when.’ He sighed. ‘When I got back an hour ago.’