"Did you mean that?" she asks, handing him the last of the bags as he places the collection of birthday gifts into the car. He sighs as he closes the door, almost as though exasperated by the question, but he expression on his face is sad, the corners of his mouth tilting downwards. He doesn't have a chance to defend himself as her fist comes flying at his shoulder, startling more than it injures. "I love you, but fuck you." A second one comes, dodged this time, and he takes a step backwards, out of the line of fire. "You know how much this means to everyone else," she hisses, suddenly aware of the potential for an audience. "And if Harlowe won't tell you what a massive mistake you're making, I will. You're going to let them let you walk away, and nobody wants to -- hiya, babe." Marc seems to materialise out of thin air, a long arm wrapping around Kate's thin shoulders. "We're all packed," she adds, wiping vaguely at her eyes as she pretends to raise her hand to shield them from the sun. She steps in to press a farewell kiss against his cheek, opening her arms for the hug that accompanies it. When she speaks, her voice barely registers in his ear. "Please."

"Andy? It's Vic. If I get another call from your therapist requesting to reschedule a missed appointment, I'm going to tell Harlowe you've been skivving. I don't wanna be your accomplice, but don't make me a snitch. I dunno what you've been doing when you're meant to be there, but get it fucking sorted. Why does she have my number and not yours anyway?"



"Do you think it was wise to announce on twitter that you were attending a rehabilitation facility? If Victoria and Douglas need assistance handling the story, please do let me know. I want to help, darling. Ring me or your father when you're able, if if you need anything at all."


"This is a short one you'll probably miss, like all the others, but I've been holding onto something that belongs to you, and it hasn't felt right. Mum and dad gave me your portion of money from the sale of nana's house, and -- it was always yours and I never meant to keep it for so long, but part of me was worried we'd have to use it for your funeral, and I didn't want Harlowe to -- It doesn't matter. I'm sorry. I know you'll put it to good use."


"How do we pretend it's alright, Andy?"