"You came home without Jamie??" Mrs Bryan looked alarmed.

Jake turned back, even though he felt tired

"She wouldn't let me bring her."

"Of course she wouldn't!" Mrs Bryan began to shout, "You ditched her, Jake! And never for once in the few weeks you have been away did you pick up your phone to call and ask after your child!"

"Mother, I'm trying my best to set things straight, but clearly, Jamie doesn't want it." replied Jake with stretched out arms.

"Of course she wouldn't!" Mrs Bryan said again, "You haven't tried harder. Don't just expect her to give in to you quickly."

Jake stared at his foster mother....