DANIEL

Things with Valerie aren't going well these days. She's trying so hard to stay strong, but the world seems hellbent on punishing good people.

I wish there was something I could do to help her. Poor Val-being kind and pure in a cruel world is like walking barefoot through broken glass.

"Babe, do you want honey or soya?"

Lucy's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

She stood near the kitchen counter, balancing a tray with a bowl of corn purée and a side of freshly made bean cakes.

"Soya," I replied absently, still staring at my phone.

"Alright," she replied, setting the tray down on the dining table....