Tina was throwing clothes onto the bed. She froze and looked him in the eyes. ‘And I’m not a mother. That’s just it. I want a baby, I need a baby, something that is mine. My own flesh and blood.’

Chris sat down heavily on the bed and dropped his head into his hands. ‘I can’t make that happen, Tina. I wish I could, but what can I do? I’m not a miracle worker.’

‘We could have adopted, go on, why have you never suggested that? We could have used a surrogate. There were options, Chris. Options we could have explored, but no, it’s always the bleeding same, as long as you’re alright and your tea is on the table everyone else can take a running jump.’

Tears were streaming down the side of his face now. He was broken. ‘Baby, don’t do this to us. I get things have been shite for you lately, but we can get through this together. Leaving me won’t change things or make things any better. What, are you going to live with your parents for the rest of your life?’

Tina shook her head and started to fold her clothes into neat piles. ‘I’m renting somewhere. If I’m leaving here, then I need somewhere of my own.’

The colour drained from Chris’ face. ‘You’ve been planning this, haven’t you? Have you met somebody else? Oh my God, you have, haven’t you? Wow, this makes so much sense now. All the texting … who is it?’

Tina’s shoulders dropped. ‘Don’t be daft, there’s nobody else.’

‘So who is it you’re texting all the time then? Don’t think that I’ve not clocked you on your phone in the middle of the night. Go on, tell me who it is. If you’re cheating at least have the balls to admit it.’

‘I’m not texting anyone. I just go on my phone when I can’t sleep. Stop making things up. The reason I’m leaving is because I can’t stand my life here anymore. I want peace, Chris, not dramas all the time. Nevaya and Charlie won’t even care I’ve gone. After a few days, I doubt you will either.’

Chris stood up and dragged his fingers through his hair. ‘No, this isn’t making any sense. I know you inside out, Tina. This is not you. Something is going on and I want to know what.’

Tina shrugged him off and bent down to grab a suitcase from under the bed. She opened it up without thinking.

Silence. Chris looked down at the piles of tiny baby clothes. He reached down and slowly picked up a small cardigan. His eyes found Tina’s. ‘What … what are these?’

What could she say?