Penny
teacher
The childminder emailed a break-down, so here it is in numbers: $310 a week for four days is $1,240 a month, and my whole wage is $2,900. Say what you think we do with that.
Chapter 132 · Month 52 · Starting a Family
The Long Walk
The cost of childcare, in actual numbers
Oldest line first — the newest line is at the bottom.
Algy
designer
Forty-three percent of your wage, before we've bought a cot. And your name on the deposit — fine, I'll hold to that and hate it quietly.
Penny
teacher
Then here's my question, and I'd like a real answer. Forget what's affordable for a minute — do you actually want the childminder, or do you want one of us home for the first year?
Algy
designer
Honestly? I want me home — and I'd have to say it out loud to Mum on the 27th before I believe I could. Half seven, then: doorway of Newark Road, test in my coat pocket, and I'll buy the loo brush after.
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