She could spend a couple of hours up here shopping and be back in time for the kids leaving school. No one would know what she’d planned. Nothing would change. Life would go on as normal.

She got on the train.

The train carriage was stuffy and every seat was filled. Kate stowed her bag overhead and got comfy. There was a young woman sitting in front of her: probably in her late twenties or early thirties. Pretty, in a wholesome way; shoulder-length glossy brown hair, well put-together; she looked like she had a facial every month rather than when a friend bought her a voucher for her birthday. Tapping away into a small computer; checking a folder on the table which looked like it was full of sales figures or something similar; she was so absorbed in what she was doing that she hadn’t even looked up when Kate had slipped into the seat opposite.

Hitting the return key with a final flourish, the girl sat back with a sigh and picked up her water bottle. Ten years ago, Kate had worked at a computer like that. She’d had manicured fingernails. Had worn suits and shirts and high heels. She’d left it all behind without a backward glance when Alice was born. Child rearing had been the perfect excuse to leave a job which bored her sideways. But now?

She smiled at the younger her opposite. Might as well make conversation. ‘All done?’

The girl sipped at her water and pulled a face. ‘Yes, I have a big catch up with my boss tomorrow morning and I’m just trying to make sure I’ve got all my figures straight.’

‘What do you do?

The girl wrinkled her nose and shut one eye. ‘Sales. Computer printers. I know it sounds completely boring. I mean, I get to travel quite a lot, which I like. But it’s a bit stressful at the moment – sales are slow.’ She shrugged and put out her hand. Those fingernails looked fabulous. ‘I’m Laura.’

Kate shook her hand – her own fingernails were short, rounded and practical. ‘I’m Kate. And I used to work for an IT company, too. Before I had my children.’ Those had been the days when life was more organised. When they’d called her the Queen of the In Tray. It was where she’d met Shannon. And Luke.

They’d got together one Friday night at the pub. Kate had been single for six months.