After turning off the stove, to avoid succumbing to panic, I go to a beauty salon for various treatments. After the salon, I treat myself to a shopping spree. Anything to not think about Matthew’s long absence and his divorce filing. My mobile screen is still empty. No texts or missed calls from Matthew.

My heart clenches in fear. I can think of nothing better than to call my friends and suggest a meetup. They’re all single, so they have a lot of free time after work. Of our university group, I was the only one who got married at twenty. The other girls I was friends with focused on their careers.

Several friends respond to the invitation for coffee. They’re free and have no plans for the evening after work. Pauline, Rita, and Maria arrive almost simultaneously. All a bit tired after a day’s work, but still full of energy and enthusiasm. They eagerly share their latest news. Pauline got a promotion, Rita took a vacation in Argentina, and Maria bought an apartment.

‘What’s new with you, Julia?’ Rita asks. ‘Just don’t say you’re still the same old hen.’

‘I’m a hen.’