I instantly feel guilty for shouting at them, especially as Alice has been quite gloomy about being left out of Hope’s party. I shouldn’t begrudge them a bit of fun with their dad. Even if it means they’ll be a bit late for school.

‘Everything all right?’ Toby looks up at me. ‘You seem a bit…’

‘Cranky. I know. Sorry.’ I get back to folding laundry, noticing Alice’s sport’s top is still a bit damp. I stick it on the radiator.

‘Anything I can help with?’ He tilts his head, and I wish I could let go of all my anxiety and be as relaxed as him.

‘Just worried about the Cassie thing.’ I leave the laundry for a moment and bring my tea over to the table, plonking myself opposite my husband. I’m not usually the type of person to wallow and feel sorry for myself, but I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. I need to snap out of it.

‘You mean her haircut?’ Toby asks.

‘Yeah, the dreaded haircut.’ I shake my head and suck in air through my teeth. I haven’t mentioned the odd conversation I had with her about Dina. After a night’s sleep, I’m not sure there was anything in it, other than my own paranoia. ‘She was so quiet after I finished the cut. Which was strange after her being so enthusiastic at the start. I shouldn’t let it bother me. The style really suited her, so I don’t know why she rushed out like that.’

‘Maybe it was nothing to do with the cut. It could have been any number of reasons. You shouldn’t worry. I’m sure it’s fine. And even if it isn’t, so what? She asked for the haircut. If she doesn’t like it, that’s not your fault.’

‘You’re right.’ I give a relieved sigh as the children clatter back into the kitchen with their bags. ‘Thanks for keeping me sane.’ I lean over the table and give him a kiss.

‘Any time.’ He grins. ‘Right, better go. I’m late as it is.’

I go through the usual routine of checking Alice and Jamie have everything they need for the day, doling out their lunchboxes and water and making sure they haven’t got any outstanding school letters for me to sign. Finally, shoes and coats are bundled on and we’re ready to go.