Chapter 55 · Month 32 · Starting a Family

The Good News

The cost of childcare, in actual numbers

Oldest line first — the newest line is at the bottom.

      
            Algy
            designer
            10:34
          
The mousetrap was me showing off — I did a whole bit about the cheese at quarter past nine like I'd invented patience. What I actually want is to ring my mum first, before your dad starts doing arithmetic on a napkin.

            Penny
            teacher
            10:36
          
Test's box says two lines, and I've done the sums on what happens after: $1,340 a month for a nursery place. Before you ring Susan at eight, tell me what you'd actually say to her.

            Algy
            designer
            10:38
          
I'd say: Mum, it's early and it's not official. Then the number lands — $1,340 a month is more than the Fennick invoice and the deposit combined, and she'll go quiet in that way she does.

            Penny
            teacher
            10:39
          
Then say it before she does the quiet — she'll ask if we can afford it and the honest answer is a third of my wage. Ring her at eight; I'll sit here and not correct you.

← Chapter 54

What the audience made of it

Algy 0 Penelope 0 Both 0 0 votes

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

The story fund →