But what’s going to happen to me? To my children?

My marriage is over.

With trembling fingers, I fumble on the bedside table for my phone, but I can’t seem to locate it, so I give up, instead finding a bottle of water. I unscrew the cap, bring the bottle to my lips and drain the remaining few sips. But they do little to quench my thirst or clear my head. My mouth is so dry, but there’s no time to waste getting a fresh bottle from the minibar. I need to find my phone.

I try to stand, but my legs are leaden, and my head is so heavy. Is it a hangover, or shock? Am I coming down with something? I don’t understand why I’m feeling so strange and woozy. I lie back on the bed. I’ll stay here for a moment until I feel strong enough to get up. Then I’ll call the police. I just need a few minutes to collect myself, that’s all…

I crack open an eyelid, and then another, allowing my eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. There’s no hint of daylight through the curtains. I must have fallen asleep or passed out. Surely I haven’t slept all day! My head throbs, and my eyelids are heavy. I don’t feel as though I’ve slept at all. I’m tempted to simply close my eyes and give in to sleep once more. It’s the only option that feels acceptable right now.

‘You’re awake.’

I give a start and raise my head at the sound of my mother-in-law’s voice.

‘Celia?’ My voice is croaky. ‘You made me jump. I didn’t realise you were here.’ Although, now I think of it, the scent of her White Linen perfume is all around me, catching in the back of my throat.

The light from Celia’s phone blinks on, illuminating her face, making it appear distorted in the otherwise darkened room. She’s sitting near the end of my bed tapping something into her mobile.

I take a breath and try to summon the energy to sit up. I’m still wearing my clothes and the top of my jeans is digging into my stomach, my jumper itches and I feel sweaty and gross. I could really do with a long drink of water and a cool shower. Now that I’ve eased myself upright, I can’t seem to catch my breath. My whole body is tingling and I’m light-headed and dizzy.

‘Is there any water? Where’s Toby?’ My tongue feels thick in my mouth. As if it’s bigger than normal.