Why did you even come? asked the niece, clearing away the untouched food.
Aunt Lydia, can I change the channel? Emily didnt wait for an answer, snatching the remote and flicking through the programmes. What rubbish you watch! Blimey, its already nineIve got to be up early tomorrow.
Lydia set aside her knitting, studying her niece. She wasnt a girl anymore, twenty-eight now, but in Lydias eyes, shed always be that same little Emily whod rush into her grandmothers house in summer, begging, Aunt Lydia, tell me about the princess!
Whats so important tomorrow? Lydia asked, turning down the telly.
Oh, just a meeting. Work stuff, Emily waved her off, eyes glued to the screen. Honestly, your fridge is dodgythe milks gone off.
Gone off? I only bought it fresh yesterday
Well, look for yourself! Emily sprang up, shuffling in slippers to the kitchen. Disgusting, isnt it?
Lydia followed, peering into the milk carton. Curdled. Oddshed checked the date at the shop.
Mustve spoiled in the heat. Ill fetch another. She reached for the fridge, but Emily stopped her.
Dont bother. I dont want any. Dairy upsets my stomach. Just make a strong cuppa, yeah?
Of course. Fancy a bite? Ive done fried potatoes with mushrooms
Aunt Lydia, I told youIm on a diet! Emily rolled her eyes. No fried food. And nothing after six.
But its nine
Exactly! So Im not eating!
Lydia filled the kettle, pulling out a tin of biscuits. Emily wrinkled her nose at the digestives.
Cant have those either. Anything sugar-free?
Theres brown bread, Lydia offered uncertainly.
Still carbs. Fine, just tea.
They returned to the lounge. Some American film played, Emily staring blankly. Lydia picked up her knitting but couldnt focus. Her niece had arrived that morning, said shed stay the night, then leave. At first, Lydia had been thrilledEmily rarely visited, always in London with work and whatnot. Now she sat there, silent, as if doing a favour.
Em, Lydia began gently, howve you been? Work alright?
Fine, Emily muttered, not turning.
And Daniel? Werent you two getting married?
Emily stiffened, tearing her gaze from the telly.
We split up. Six months ago.
Good Lord! What happened?
Nothing dramatic. Just didnt suit each other.
Lydia set down her needles. So that was that. Shed been imagining wedding invitations, even eyeing a dress. She wanted to ask more, but Emilys expression said the topic was closed.
Work, then. That firm you were atwhat was it called?
Left, Emily said shortly. Last month.
Left?! You were there three years!
Was. Now Im not. Looking for something else.
Howre you managing?
Aunt Lydia! Emily spun to face her. Why the interrogation? Im getting by.
Sorry, love. I just worry.
Dont. Im a grown-up.
They fell quiet. Lydia stole glances. Emily looked gaunt, pale. Her eyes dull. She used to be so lively, always laughing. charging into her nansback when Lydia still lived here with her mumfilling the house with chatter and plans. Now she sat like a stranger.
The kettle whistled. Emily was up first.
Ill make it! she called from the kitchen.
Lydia heard clattering, cupboards banging. Then silence. She rose to check.
Emily stood by the window, gripping an empty mug. Her shoulders trembled.
Love, whats wrong?
Nothing, she sniffed. Just tired. So tired.
Lydia hugged her. Emily didnt pull awayshe leaned in, like she had as a child.
Tell me.
Its everything, Aunt Lydia. Everything at once. Daniel left because he said I was dull. Work was hell. The boss hated me, humiliated me. I quit. Now I cant find anything. Moneys nearly gone. Cant pay rent.
Oh, darling! Why didnt you say? Wed have figured something out!
Like what? Your pensions peanuts. And Im supposed to handle my own mess.
Rubbish! Who else should you turn to?
Emily gave a bitter laugh.
Which family? Mum and stepdad have their own life. Brothersones in Germany, the other in Edinburgh, wrapped up
