to the shops or has a bath. She tried several times to persuade her to leave Mabel for longer, to meet up with the girls from the antenatal class or have a drink with friends from work, go for a swim or watch a film – anything – but until now she always refused. It’s as if taking a break is a mark of failure, and Amber doesn’t do failure.
Her sister is a high achiever, always has been, ever since she was a little girl – probably since the day she was born. Naturally, Amber assumed she would be as brilliant at motherhood as she was at everything else. All it required was research and preparation. As soon as she became pregnant, she embarked on a programme of self-directed study, reading numerous books and online articles until she was an expert in current parenting theories. But none of them can account for the mighty force of nature that is Mabel Rosebud Walker.
Ruby loves her only niece, admiring her feisty spirit and determination to get her own way. If Mabel isn’t happy, she’ll sure as hell let you know about it. Perhaps she’ll be more contented now she’s being bottle-fed, thinks Ruby as she waits to cross the main road. Poor Amber, she tried so hard, but Mabel was a hungry bunny and Amber couldn’t seem to produce enough milk. Ruby suspects the problem was stress-related. She’s no expert, but it’s clear that her sister is suffering from postnatal depression. Amber, usually the first to google symptoms and pronounce a diagnosis, is in denial. Or rather, she knows full well what the matter is but doesn’t want to do anything about it.
Mum doesn’t help. She can’t believe that her top-of-the-class daughter could possibly be failing, whereas if it was Ruby who’d gone to pieces, she wouldn’t bat an eyelid, because it’s Ruby’s role in the family to mess up.
After years of resentment, she’s come to accept this label and even turn it to her advantage. Her mother’s expectations of her are so low it gives her full rein to explore and experiment. Since leaving university, she’s tried her hand at documentary film-making, selling jewellery made from recycled drinks cans and starting a vegan ice-cream business. When her brave plans fail – as they usually do – her mother just rolls her eyes in that told-you-so way. Now Ruby is working odd shifts at an escape room in Shoreditch, a job she would like to escape from herself.
She chains her bike and helmet against the park railings opposite and, after ringing the bell twice to no effect, knocks loudly with her fist. Eventually she hears the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs, and George opens the door. A gust of wind instantly blows dry leaves into the hallway.
‘Sorry,’ he says. ‘I was making up feeds; I thought Amber was getting it.’
‘No worries.’ She follows him back up the stairs and shrugs off her coat, hanging it over the top banister. Mabel is in the kitchen, strapped into her high chair. She looks up as Ruby enters and gives her a big smile.
‘Hello, gorgeous!’ Ruby bends down. ‘Is that another tooth I can see?’
‘Yes,’ answers George on Mabel’s behalf. ‘She was very grumpy while it was coming through, but the last couple of nights she’s slept for five hours straight.’
‘Clever girl! Please do the same tonight for Auntie Ruby.’ She plants a kiss on the top of Mabel’s head. Her wispy hair – as red as her mother’s – smells of mashed banana.
‘I’ve written it all down,’ George says, nodding towards a piece of paper on the table. ‘Don’t feel you have to stick to the times; it’s just a guide. She hasn’t had any fresh air yet today, so if you want to take her for a spin around the park …’
‘I’d already thought of that.’ Ruby goes to the window and looks out. ‘It’s a beautiful day.’
‘But only seven degrees,’ Amber points out, entering the room. ‘Wrap her up properly. Hat and mittens, no arguments.’
‘Lovely to see you too,’ says Ruby, unable to resist the dig.
‘You know what you’re like. You’ll forget.’
‘I won’t.’
Amber shrugs, picking up the list of instructions and scrutinising it for omissions and mistakes. Unable to find any, she puts it back on the table.
‘I’ll follow it faithfully. Promise.’ Ruby offers a pacifying smile. ‘Please don’t worry. Just forget about us and have fun.’
‘Thanks, we really appreciate this, don’t we?’ George looks at Amber. She nods, but