LAURA

When Laura returns on Sunday evening, Zara is already asleep. Zara's​ laptop is still on beside her, with earphones plugged in, still playing The Breakfast Club. Laura shuts it down and places it on Zara's bedside table.

She changes into her nightie as quietly as possible, her heart still bursting happily at the weekend she has spent with Michael at his apartment. She feels like waking Zara up and telling her all about it, but, at the same time, understands that Zara hasn't slept well all week.

She slips into bed, feeling unrealistically happy, and tosses about for a while, her mind still on Michael.

Zara stirs a little, moaning in her sleep.

Laura's phone beeps. It's a message from Michael.

"I just got home. I had a great time," it reads.

Laura smiles and writes a reply. "I had an amazing time too. What time is your flight tomorrow?" Michael is going on a business trip with his boss, and according to his boss, this could be the trip that either gets him the promotion or loses him a chance of ever getting it.

"At noon. I'll call you." Comes the reply.

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too."

Laura smiles, now feeling ready to sleep. Just as she is drifting off, Zara moans again. It sounds like she's in pain. Laura sits up and watches her in alarm. But Zara turns over, silently. Laura puts a pillow over when head and falls asleep, an image of Michael's face in her eyes.