This day is getting weirder by the minute. Why didn’t Amber come in to us, ask her daddy where he was or what happened to him? She seemed mightily concerned earlier. Sarah’s newest dilemma must be absorbing her thoughts. Still, I’m surprised. I would have thought she’d at least ask him if he was okay. I guess she presumes everything is because he’s home now.

‘That’s strange,’ I say, switching off the tap and lifting my glass.

‘What’s strange?’

‘Amber. She never asked what happened and she was very concerned earlier.’

Tom says nothing. The light from the fridge brightens his face when he opens the door. Taking a beer, he walks towards the front room asking how things went for the boys.

‘Fine, I think, I was so distracted I… Oh I forgot to tell you, my father showed up.’

Tom stops in his tracks and turns to look at me. ‘What?’

‘I know – I couldn’t believe it either.’

‘Did he say why?’

‘What do you mean, it was the boys’ birthday party?’

‘But how did he know we were having a party. Did you tell him?’

‘No, sure I haven’t heard from him for months.’ Tom turns to go into the other room. But doesn’t enter. He stops then turns his head slightly.

‘Was Amber talking to him?’

‘Yes, she seemed quite happy to see him.’

‘My mom.’

‘What about your mom?’

‘Was she talking to him?’

‘Christ, Tom, I don’t know, I don’t remember seeing them talking but the place was very busy so… she could have been… why?’

‘Just wondering.’ Taking a swig from his can of beer, he continues into the other room.

My phone beeps. It’s Ellen.

Any sign of him?

‘What do you want me to tell your mother?’ I say through the double doors.

‘Just tell her my car broke down or something.’

Well, that came easy to him. Lying to his mother. I’m not doing that. Especially when she already knows the one about the friend’s car breaking down.

I reply to the message.

He’s home safe, bit of a saga, can’t talk now, I’ll ring you tomorrow.

I don’t know what is going on with Tom. But something definitely is. Should I go in and question him more? Ask him who he was talking to on the phone in the middle of the night. The way he is at the moment, stressed, distracted, I don’t think I’d get the truth. He’s been acting strange ever since I mentioned the photo, which worries me. Does this mean that Charlie is right? Or is something else going on? With my palm on the door handle I’m about to go in to him when Amber sticks her head over the bannisters.

‘Is everything okay, Mom?’ Her voice a whisper.