Of course there are a lot more questions to be asked, a lot more consequences to deal with, but for the moment, I’ve enough barbed wire to suck on. I need a break, so I’m heading in to my girls.

The salon is extra busy when I arrive. Walking through the door I notice the waiting area is full of clients. I’d almost forgotten about the big awards ceremony taking place in the Morrison Hotel later on today. It’s just as well I didn’t pull the sickie I was intending until the reality of staying at home played out in my mind. At least in the salon I might get to laugh at some point, have my mind transported away from the unfolding drama at home for a brief moment.

‘Morning, Sal.’

‘Morning, Meg. Sorry I’m running a bit late. Is my first client here yet?’

‘Yes, she’s at the basins.’

The basins are situated at the back of the shop near the towel library and beside the staffroom. I glance around to see if I recognize anyone, always on the alert for Charlie’s return. But not today, there are no teenage heads being soaked. These are all mature ladies, in need of special products to disguise their ageing.

Sienna moves her attention from her suds-covered hands and smiles over at me. Suddenly I feel vulnerable, like the whole world knows the shit I’m in. I know they don’t – I’ve only just discovered it myself, so how could they? Yet every gentle hello or smile feels like a gesture of pity. Paranoia is a terrible thing. The weakening of confidence that comes with a life-changing scenario. That’s what I’m suffering from now.

The morning flies past with little thought for Tom or Kenny or Tom and Kenny. I’m too busy. No sooner is one head prepped for the ceremony than another bum lands on the seat. I haven’t even had time for a coffee and I really could do with one.

In the mirror I see Anna working away on the opposite side of the floor. I hope she doesn’t notice me checking her out. Her hair is tied up revealing a tattoo of I-don’t-know-what across the back of her neck. It’s got twists and turns and letters that don’t spell out anything in particular. No bruises, though. Her arms are covered in black lace which is pretty normal for Anna. A long skirt finishes the ensemble and she appears happy enough chatting away to a fellow goth in the seat.