Mara lifted Jessie onto a stool and served her a plate of vegetables. 'Eat up now, sweetie.'
Jessie crossed her arms. 'It's icky.'
'Jessica.'
'Okay, mummy.' She lifted a spoonful. A few peas spilled.
Mara sighed. 'Duffer. It's okay, just eat the rest.'
George watched from the head of the table. 'Jessica.' Jessie looked at him. 'Clean up your mess, then eat.' She looked at her mum, who looked at George, who looked back. There was a moment of silence. Jessie whimpered.
Mara looked down. 'Listen to daddy, sweetheart.'
Jessie gasped. Peas spilled everywhere.
Mara put a hand over her mouth. 'Oh honey. I'm so sorry. I meant to say George.'
'Mummy.' Jessie started to cry.
'Oh, dear.' Mara glared at George and carried her out of the room. George finished his meal and poured a glass of wine. He listened to Mara soothe Jessie and poured a second. They spoke in hushed voices. He emptied the bottle.
Mara appeared. 'You need to leave.'
'Fine.' He left.
Mara rushed back to Jessie and held her tight. 'He's gone.'
She sniffed. 'I want daddy.'
'So do I.' Mara put her to bed and threw the bottle away. She showered, dried her face and looked in the mirror for a long time.
Jessie was still awake when Mara kissed her goodnight. 'Love you.'
'I love you. Get some sleep.' The lights went out.
Jessie was alone.