“Ex-husband.” Martha nibbled the side of her nail. “Shocking, right? I’m twenty-five and I have no college degree, no place to live of my own and no job but I do have an ex-husband. My mother says the only thing I’m good at is giving up.”

Kathleen’s opinion of her own parental performance was improving by the minute. “You do have a job. You have this job. For the foreseeable future you also have somewhere to live.” She might not be the best at emotional support, but she was excellent at delivering practical help. “I fail to see how a college degree or similar would aid you in your current situation. How long were you married?”

Martha reached into the back of the car for her bag, tugging it between the seats so violently that she almost removed the strap. “Not long.”

The girl was clearly raw and angry and Kathleen felt a rush of sympathy.

“Are we talking months or years?”

“I left him after four days, after I found him in bed with someone. I’m a terrible cliché.”

The pain was unexpected. It tore through her, ripping at wounds that had taken decades to heal, opening up a part of her life she’d tried to forget.

She had to remind herself that this was about poor Martha, not her.

Martha glanced at her. “The divorce came through a few weeks ago.”

Say something, Kathleen. Say something.

“That must feel painful.”

“I felt terrible when it happened, but it was months ago and now I’m mostly just steaming mad, which I actually prefer. It’s easier to be mad than sad.” Martha opened her bag and dropped her phone inside. “I’m mad with him. And with myself.”

Kathleen’s mouth was dry. “Why with yourself?”

Martha shrugged. “My mother has always said I’m not a good judge of character. I guess she was right about that.”

“Why would you blame yourself for something that was patently not your fault?” Yes why, Kathleen? Why?

“I should have been less trusting. And honestly I don’t get why he’s calling me. I mean he slept with someone else, so why would he want me back?” Martha’s voice rose and Kathleen could tell that although she might be mad, she was also deeply wounded.

And no one understood that better than her.

“I’m no psychologist but it’s probably something to do with the unobtainable.” Kathleen felt a little dizzy. Her mind had been swamped by a dark cloud and she could no longer see the sun.

“Kathleen? Are you okay? Have I shocked you?”