Jenny picks up a chocolate and shares a smiling sideways glance with Matilda; they eat their chocolates at exactly the same time, a family ritual.

Then Jenny says, "Matilda, would you mind going upstairs so I can talk to Jim for a bit?"

Matilda considers this. She doesn't honestly think there's a conversation they could have that would be over her six-year-old head, but she's willing to accept that Jenny needs one anyway for her own peace of mind. Jenny's peace of mind is important.

"Okay," she concludes, gives Jenny a hug and Jim a wave, and heads for the stairs.

Jenny folds her hands in her lap and looks at Jim thoughtfully.

...She has no idea where to even start.