YOUR BABY WILL JUST HAVE TO EAT MICROWAVE DINNERS

Please imagine this.

You are happily married for a while, in your hometown, a market town somewhere in Sussex. Then your husband loses his job. Turns to drink. Becomes violent. You learn how to hide the bruises. You wear sunglasses on cloudy days. You excuse his behaviour when loved ones become suspicious and want to know why you have become furtive, easily startled, withdrawn and without your customary good cheer.

Though much longed for in better days, the confirmation that you are expecting a baby fills you with fear and trepidation. It makes matters at home worse. After the baby is born his moods become ever more vicious. One night the rage seems to be never ending, you doubt that you will make the morning. When you do, fear for the safety of your child overrides all else and you run. Run like hell. You shelter with an old friend…