Andy arrived at 12, came in but left the girls in the car.

I did not invite him in but he came in anyway. He looked completely exhausted today. I told him he was looking tired, he said
'Yes, I am absolutely shattered. I've been on the go all week and there's never just a minute to think.'

I was having trouble with my empathy so I said nothing in response to this.

He asked me what I was doing so I showed him that horrific article and we talked about that for a few minutes, while DD4 was finishing a sandwich.

He told me he didn't bring the girls in because he's got to go home and pick up a supermarket delivery and apparently they didn't show up the first time he ordered so he had to re order and the only time they could give him was today.

I said okay; I felt relieved that he had a genuine reason for keeping them in the car.

Then he said
'Actually Jo, I was kinda wondering if you'd help me out with the kids one day just so I can chill out on my own, just for a day, y'know, relax and stuff.'

I told him yes, but it would depend what day he wanted to 'chill'. He said we'd talk about it.
I find it slightly ironic that he is now asking for my help.

I asked him to post an order for me that I didn't do, and gave him the money to do so. I told him about the helpline being on the BBC.

Then he said he would be online later to chat to me. They left and I waved to all my kids.

Jo.