Chapter 121 · Month 49 · Starting a Family

The Bad Day

The cost of childcare, in actual numbers

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            Algy
            designer
            07:47
          
Two-forty's still the number, but honestly I'm wrecked — I've been up since half five re-reading her email like it'd change. I was showing off before, saying it like I'd already won it; that's a tired man's trick.

            Penny
            teacher
            07:49
          
The kettle's on and there's a folder in front of me with two nurseries' holiday rates in it — £52 and £61 a day — so sit down and eat something first. You don't have to win it tonight; you just have to still be awake when she answers the phone.

            Algy
            designer
            07:50
          
£52 a day is three figures a week, and that's before the buggy money. I'm awake — mostly — but this morning I put my keys in the fridge and shut the door on the day.

            Penny
            teacher
            07:51
          
Ring her now, before nine, and we'll book the £52 one for the two days we actually need — £104 a week, in writing, on the fridge list where the keys can't reach it.

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The next chapter opens with these numbers on the table. The character with fewer votes is expected to demand a recount.

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