I’m aware of the old expression claiming that a watched kettle never boils, but for me, it’s a watched clock which never moves. I stare at the digital clock, willing the numbers to change, but each minute feels like an eternity. Being Saturday morning, I don’t expect anyone to want to rise early. I’d set myself a target of lying here until eight-thirty, but no sooner has the clock struck eight than I can’t take any more and I slip out of bed. I see Alesha and Jenny are sound asleep and, not wanting to disturb them, I decide not to risk showering yet. Instead, I only splash a handful of water over my face, rinse my mouth and throw on my dressing gown before tiptoeing down the stairs, taking care not to step on the creaky board this time.
My plan was to clear away all the dishes and utensil
