To the backdrop of television cartoons, Timmy's occasional giggling and Tracey's soothing tones, Rick eventually fell asleep on the settee. She draped a jacket over him and stood quietly staring in concern at his lined face.
Timmy called "Mummy!"
Rick looked so tired. Her hand stretched out and touched his hair gently, so as not to wake him. Older, tired and -
Again, this time from the bedroom: "Mummy!"
It shook her out of her reverie, she hadn't seen Timmy move from his chair in front of the tv.
She stepped towards the open bedroom door.
It slammed in her face.