"Mother, what are you doing here alone? Does Dad know you left? I don't want him to hit you again. If I had a bigger house, I would take you with me."

"Thank you, son, but it's not necessary. Your father hasn't been home lately. That's why I wanted to invite you to come spend a few days with me. I just came from seeing Vivian and the child. She told me she has no problems and would talk to you about it."

"Where is Dad?"

"He went on a year-long cruise around the world."

"On a year-long cruise? Are you sure about that, Mum?"

"Yes, son, he sends me...