‘Son, listen to me. This is important.’ She gave Christian an imploring look. ‘This time I mean it. It’s time I changed my life. I need your help.’ She glanced at the shadows beneath Christian’s eyes. ‘This isn’t good for either of us. You deserve a life of your own.’ Not that he could cope without her. Christian was a star when it came to fulfilling his duties. But her father used to say that Christian only had ‘one oar in the water’.

‘You’re not throwing me out, are you?’ Christian’s worried voice broke into her thoughts. ‘I’ll listen out next time. We could get baby monitors … so you can call me if you take a turn.’

Not a bad idea, Elsie thought. Baby monitors would save her shouting at the top of her lungs. An unwelcome image appeared, one of her wearing plus-sized adult diapers because she could no longer reach the restroom. She shook the thought away, taking in her son’s weary face. ‘Heavens to Betsy, I’m not throwing you out! Get that idea right out of your head. I’m just saying … I’m going to diet this time. It’s now or never.’ Having said that, the word ‘diet’ gave her an irrepressible urge to reach for the doughnuts.

Christian smiled nervously, shifting restlessly on the stool. ‘Whatever you want. Write me a shopping list and I’ll pick it up.’

Elsie gave him the beady eye. ‘But you don’t mean that, do you? It’s easier to pick up a bucket of chicken from KFC than to make healthy home-cooked food.’ Despite her son’s smile, she picked up on his reservations. ‘Spit it out,’ she said. ‘What’s tugging your chain?’

Christian’s cheeks reddened, as they always did when he was placed on the spot. ‘You’re so moody when you’re dieting. It’s hard enough now, but when I cut back your food, all you do is scream and shout.’

‘No, I don’t,’ Elsie pouted, although come to think of it, the last time Christian confiscated her treats, she smashed one of her favourite vases against the wall.

‘I’m doing the best I can,’ Christian replied. ‘But I’m tired, Mom. It’s hard, doing everything on my own.’