‘Hello, Mother,’ said Anderson. ‘This is a nice surprise. Dad not with you?’
Still adjusting to the surroundings, she replied, ‘You know what he’s like.’
‘Regrettably, I do.’
‘He doesn’t know I’m here.’
‘Very brave of you,’ he said.
‘Is it awful, John?’
‘No, it’s not that bad,’ he lied.
‘John.’ She paused. ‘I thought you should know. Your father’s stopped paying the school fees.’
‘What? Just when the boys need stability more than ever?’
‘I’m sorry. This appeal was the final straw. He sees it as another embarrassment.’
‘I never even wanted them to go to private school.’ Anderson longed to be on the outside, so he could help manage the transition, look after them.
‘I’m so sorry.’ Ashamed of her husband, she changed the subject. ‘Anyway, I also wanted to wish you luck with the appeal. I’ll be thinking of you.’
‘You’re not coming?’
‘Depends. Your father thinks it might look worse for him if we’re not there.’
‘It’s always about him, isn’t it?’
Nothing she could say in his defence.
‘You know what, this place gives you a lot of time to think. I’ve realised, I just don’t like the man.’
‘John!’ She placed a hand on his arm. ‘He’s your father.’
‘He’s a cold, selfish man. Why do you stay with him?’
All she could say was, ‘I’m too old for all that.’
‘And worst of it is, I’m just like him.’
‘Don’t you say that. You’re nothing like him. He wanted you to be, and you’ve spent your life letting him mould you.’ She cupped his cheek. ‘Making the same mistakes I did.’
‘Oh, Mum. I’ve really buggered my life up.’
‘While there’s breath in your body, it’s not too late.’
Anderson managed a smile. ‘Thanks, Mum.’