Trixie, hes gone off with a man.

What?! I shouted, standing up

I looked down at my mum, I didn’t know what to do with myself. My dad was *****, when the ***** did that happen. It couldn’t happen, it wasn’t possible. He wasn’t *****, that was crazy, it was beyond crazy.

Like I said honey I think he needs to see a doctor, theres obviously something wrong with him. It did take me by surprise Ill give him that, the hardest thing is what I have to tell people. Well I cant just say my husbands run off with a *****, I don’t think he appreciates how embarrassing this is for me. my mum rattled on to herself.

I could hear what she was saying but none of it was going in.

Where is he?

Oh yes I forgot to bring it with me but I have his new address, hes staying in London. This man of his is some kind of artist or something. Ill give you a call with his address and maybe you can go and see him, talk some sense into him.

She got up then, holding her bag tightly in her hands.

Well sweetie that’s what I came to tell you, I thought it would be better if I told you in person. But I’ve got to get back to Tommy now. she said, leaning forward to give me a kiss in the cheek.

Don’t be a stranger now, Tommy would love to see you. Ill let myself out honey.

I didn’t even move, just as quickly as she had arrived she had left. Just popped by to drop a bomb shell on my life, then leave as if she had just dropped by some home cooking or something.

As soon as the front door shut Lizzies door opened, she must’ve seen me standing in the living room just staring at nothing.

Trix, is everything ok? she asked tentatively.

I turned at the sound of her voice, I couldn’t feel anything, I was numb with shock.

What time is it? I asked, my voice sounded as empty as my mums had.