THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP

‘Whatever’s the matter?’ Pat opened the door to her friend, distressed to see such a woebegone look on her face.

‘It’s Tom…’ Helen said, before bursting into uncontrollable sobs.

Pat’s pulse quickened. ‘Is he OK?’

‘He’s OK,’ Helen hiccupped.

‘But you’re not.’ Breathing a sigh of relief that at least there was no injury or anything worse, Pat hugged Helen tight, before ushering her through to the kitchen. ‘I’ll put the kettle on and you can fill me in.’

Ten minutes later, sitting with a cup of tea and some chocolate digestives she’d hidden at the back of the cupboard, as she was trying to diet, Pat listened while Helen poured out her heart…

HELEN DISSOLVED INTO FLOODS OF TEARS

‘Tom’s been acting strange for weeks…’ Helen wiped her eyes. ‘I knew something wasn’t right, but assumed it was work worries. He’s been staying late at the office, saying how busy he is. Well, last night, he told me he’s been having an