La vida

“Blame Yourself, Mum” Emma was frying burgers when the doorbell chimed. She wiped her hands

Irina’s dad was fifteen years older than her mum. He dressed strictly, even old-fashioned—always in trousers

**A Rescue from Loneliness** I woke up late this morning. My first thought was that I’d overslept—that

“You Only Have Yourself to Blame, Mum” Helen was frying burgers when the doorbell rang.

The Other Daughter Irina’s father was fifteen years older than her mother. He dressed strictly, even

Olivia’s dad was fifteen years older than her mum. He dressed strictly, even a bit old-fashioned—always

Polly climbed the stairs to her office, relieved not to bump into any colleagues. She wasn’t in the mood

The phone yanked Sophie away from her meagre supper. She rarely cooked for herself—breakfast was black

**A Rescue from Loneliness** Elizabeth woke up late. Her first thought was that she’d overslept—her daughter

Just Friends The ringing phone interrupted Emily’s quiet dinner. She rarely cooked for herself.