Moving my gaze to the window, I watch the heavy rain splash the glass and wait for the boys to run in from the playroom. They’re almost three. ‘The big surprise’ we called it the day we found out I was pregnant. ‘The bigger surprise’ when we found out it was twins. After years attempting to provide Amber with a sibling had failed, out of the blue, just like buses, two arrived together.

‘Do you want me to drop you in?’ Tom says, noticing the bad weather.

‘No, I’ll take my car, I’ve to pick up the cake on the way home.’

The boys come rushing into the room, hoofing themselves up onto a chair, pulling the breakfast bowls closer to them. Tom winks at me with that old reliable smile, letting me know he has everything under control. He will take care of them. I can relax.

As Aaron and Cian shovel Rice Krispies into their mouths like the winner is going to get a prize, I glance at the clock on the wall above the window.

‘Look at the time, I better get going.’ I kiss both boys, hugging them tightly before making my way upstairs to Amber’s room.

Like most fifteen-year-olds on a Saturday morning, Amber is still asleep when I open the door. Her gentle breath warms my skin when I kneel over to kiss her. Amber stirs, eyes still closed as she mumbles, ‘See you later, Mom.’

Before closing the door behind me, I take one last peek at her, then gently release the handle.

‘You might need this,’ Tom says handing me an umbrella when I get downstairs. ‘And this.’ He takes the bottle of water that he’d left on the table from behind his back and laughs. ‘I don’t know what you’d do without me.’

‘Neither do I,’ I say, hugging him briefly before taking the bottle and pushing it into my overloaded bag.

‘’Bye, Mom.’ Cian and Aaron sit at the window repeatedly shouting goodbye to me. Their little hands waving, air kisses blowing guilt my way. It’s like I’m leaving for a fortnight’s holiday, every time I go to work. Tom is standing behind them also blowing me a kiss. I hate leaving them, leaving Tom. But I don’t have a choice so I smile, wave and pull out of the driveway.

Now I’m Sally the hairdresser.

The city is slower to wake on a Saturday. Less traffic. I get to the car park in no time, pick a spot nearest the exit and grab my bag from the floor. The rain has eased to a damp haze. It feels good, waking my senses, preparing me for the day ahead. Quickening my step, I continue my short journey towards the hair salon.