Tina flicked her cigarette butt into the garden and slammed the door. Chris was meant to be on her side. He’d barely had to lift a finger raising the kids and keeping the home since she’d come on the scene. A bit of loyalty and gratitude was long overdue. He was getting told.

‘No, you listen Chris, I’ve been putting up with her attitude for months and you’ve done jack shit. Don’t think by having a quick word with her that it’ll all be sorted. You heard what she thinks about me, go on, tell me that’s bloody normal behaviour?

‘I’m saying that I will sort it out. For fuck’s sake, Tina, don’t you think I’ve enough on my plate without this? Turn it in and sit down.’

Tina ground her fingers into her palms, her knuckles turning white. She couldn’t believe he was playing the bloody victim. ‘You’ve had fuck all on your plate compared to me, Chris. I’m the one who is struggling each bastard day, not you. You are aware that I’ve not long had major surgery which means I will never be a mother, aren’t you? Tell me you know that, and you haven’t forgotten.’

But the stress was getting too much for Chris. He let rip. ‘For crying out loud, I knew it wouldn’t be long before that was brought up. Like you’ll ever let me forget it. How did I know that it would all come back to you in the end? It’s not my fault Tina, it’s nobody’s fault, it’s just life and we have to deal with it.’

This was bad, it took a lot to get a rise out of her husband, but she wasn’t backing down.

‘Piss off, Chris. You never really wanted another baby. I bet you’re relieved that I can’t have one, aren’t you?’

‘Don’t go there, Tina. I’m in no mood to be fighting with you too. We both need to calm down. Go and have a lie down or a hot bath.’

‘No, Chris, I won’t. Maybe I should go to my mam’s. At least there I will feel loved and supported.’

Chris sat back down on the sofa. ‘Do whatever you want. I’m watching the football.’ He grabbed the remote and changed the channel.

Tina couldn’t hold back the tears now. ‘Like I said, you don’t care. I’ll get my stuff in the morning and leave you to it.’

Chris watched her leave the room and exhaled slowly. She wouldn’t go, she never did.