“Bowls.” Natalie checked the cauli rice and handed it over for Kate to serve while she carried the slow cooker full of curry to the sink. Outside, around the property, her girls had worked beside their father since they were young. She had to remind herself that they were also capable of transferring those skills to household duties. She’d always expected them to make their beds, help keep the place tidy, but cooking and cleaning had been her domain. She did it without even thinking. She paused, one hand on the lid of the pot, and recalled the little book tucked away in her drawer. Or had she simply been conditioned?

The phone rang and Laura answered then waved the cordless receiver in the air. “For you, Mum.”

Natalie swapped a serving spoon for the handset and walked away from the activity to a quiet corner of the kitchen. “Hello.”

“Natalie? Hello, it’s Paul.”

She glanced back at the girls dishing the curry, hoping they wouldn’t put too much in Olive’s bowl. There would be no end of complaint if the serving was too big. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m just checking everything’s okay.”

“Watch you don’t slop it.” Kate’s tone was rough.

“You worry about what you’re doing,” Laura countered.

Natalie moved out into the passage. “Yes, everything’s fine.”

“That’s good.” There was a pause before he went on. “I thought I’d give you a ring because the other day you said there was a family problem and then someone mentioned in the staffroom they’d seen your daughter and mother-in-law at the hospital.”

Natalie took a deep breath. Nothing was ever private in a small town. “Bree had a bit of an accident on the bike. She’s okay.” Her voice sounded brusque. She softened her tone. “We’re all okay, Paul. Thanks for your concern.”

Once more there was a pause, a deep intake of breath. “It’s just that you seemed a bit upset when you left on Wednesday. Not your usual self.” Paul’s words had come out in a rush but he stopped again abruptly, took another deep breath. “I can arrange some time off for you if you…if you still need some. I’d be happy to organise it.”

Natalie’s initial irritation was replaced by remorse. It was good of him to check on her after she’d been so abrupt with him. “That’s kind of you.”

“Dinner’s on the table, Mum.”

She turned at Kate’s whisper from the door behind her and nodded in acknowledgment. “I have to go, Paul. Thanks, I should be fine but…” She’d planned to go back to work on Monday. After all, there was nothing wrong with her but perhaps a few days off would help her find her equilibrium again. “Can I let you know tomorrow?”

“Sure.” He sounded relieved.