She sat staring at the door, the click of it closing resounding around the quiet room. Voices, muffled by the wall filtered through, but she felt as if she could be a hundred miles from anyone. Gordon's departure had shocked her, the sheer lack of emotion of it, temporarily stopping her tears. That was until the implications of his actions dawned on her, and the tears came thicker and faster than perhaps they had ever done, but she barely registered them.

It had been painful enough when things had first changed between them, and he acted progressively colder towards her, but then the incident happened in reception, and Gordon came, acting as loving as ever, as if nothing had changed. She'd stupidly built her hopes up, let herself believe everything was going to be okay. But then he walked out on her, when she obviously needed him the most. No explanation was given, no indication that she'd done something to provoke it. He was merely cold, distant towards her, seemingly uncaring to her pathetic cries for him to stay.

She trembled then, sitting alone on her examination table. The movement seemed to rouse her as she raised her head, a trembling hand moving in a vain attempt to wipe away her tears. The muffled footsteps and voices in the corridor claimed her attention, making her realise she was still at the hospital. She realised her door was unlocked. She moved quickly but shakily towards it, fumbling with her keys for a moment before inserting the correct one in the hole and clicking it locked. She couldn't risk anyone entering and seeing her in this state. Too many questions would be asked. What was she meant to say? Her husband had practically signalled an end to their relationship? She almost laughed at the thought of being that blunt to one of the nosy gossips of the hospital. The brief respite from her crushing upset quickly faded as it dawned on her that that was in fact what had happened.


Jill drew her green mini down the side of their house and pulled to a stop behind Gordon's blue Zephyr, though in the darkness the colours were almost indistinguishable. Practically the only light came from the street lights spaced at intervals along the road: the sky was overcast and all the windows of nearly every house in the street were dark, no light diffusing through the curtains; most occupants most likely asleep given the late hour, or early, depending on how you looked at it.

She rounded the side of the house, one of the ones that showed no sign of life. Katie and Tom were surely tucked up in bed, and Gordon probably would be as well. Previously, before everything about their relationship changed, if there had been an argument or upset during the day, they would normally stay up and wait for the other. Now she couldn't imagine Gordon sitting in the living room, awaiting her arrival, and welcoming her with a comforting hug. Instead, when she entered the house - she could no longer think of it as home - there was no one there, only silence.

She deposited her coat and bags in their usual places, thinking briefly that they may not belong there for much longer, before pushing the thought away. Her footfalls barely made any noise as she ascended the stairs, knowing which steps to avoid to prevent any creeks belying her presence.

She looked into Katie and Tom's rooms, seeing them both fast asleep, looking incredibly peaceful in their slumber. She stood in each of their doorways for a while, taking in their features, committing everything to memory, for fear she wouldn't have much more time with them. Eventually she tore herself away, closing the doors softly and wiping the teardrops resting delicately on her cheeks.

She entered their bedroom next. She couldn't bear to look at Gordon; the hurt and anger and confusion were too much. She quickly collected her nightdress and fled the room, not pausing to glance back as she closed the door.

She crossed the landing and entered another room, this one empty of occupants, but holding a bed. In all the time they had lived together, she'd never chosen to sleep apart from Gordon. But, as had most things in their relationship, it was about to change.

She slipped between the sheets of the spare bed, and curled up tight, fighting against the threatening tears, attempting to sleep alone.