Tom glared with frightening intensity, as if about to strike her. His speech sounded scripted and automatic.

‘Somewhere where I can’t upset or disappoint you any more. Away from the world. Away from everyone. Away from you.’

Sarah dabbed her eyes with a sodden McDonald’s napkin. ‘But what do you mean by “cell”?’
Tom grimaced.

‘A flat. I’m going to get a flat near work. I won’t be having any visitors. I’m shutting that all down. I’m… I just want to live by myself. I’m just going to… go to work, play on my computer and smoke cigarettes until I die.’

‘But…’

His tone turned brutal. ‘That’s it, Sarah. I’ve made up my mind. I don’t want you. Don’t worry; there’s no one else, I’m not f*cking another woman. I don’t want to f*ck another woman. I don’t want anyone else. I just want to be alone for the rest of my miserable sh*t of a life. I can’t do this any MORE!

Sarah hung her head and bawled, flinching as he wrenched at the steering wheel with white knuckles. A terrible fear clutched at her. His hurtful words were unprecedented. He’d spiralled before, but never with such vehemence and resolve. For the first time, she doubted her power to turn him around.

‘Oh God, Tommy. Please don’t do this. Please don’t leave me.’

‘I have to, Sarah,’ he answered woodenly. ‘It’s for the best. You’ll see.’

She plucked at his arm, which he angrily jerked away. ‘I can’t believe you’re saying this. You’ve never talked like this before.’

‘I have to. It’s the only way.’

‘You keep saying that. But why do you have to? Why is it the only way? Why won’t you let me help you?’

‘Because I CAN’T! I can’t do it. It’s no good. I can’t I can’t I CAN’T!’

Tom stared wild-eyed around the car, fidgeting and hyperventilating. Sarah saw the familiar signs of imminent flight. There was no way she could let him do a runner in such a state. Her concern gave her strength. She stifled her sobs, drew back from him and stilled her quavering voice.

Unsettled by the sudden change, Tom looked straight at her for the first time that day. Sarah returned his gaze, took a deep breath, then addressed him with all the authority she could muster.

‘I have a question for Tommy. Does Tommy still love me?

The Gebbeth recoiled, stunned and dismayed at her intuition. Hissing threats, then imprecations it scrambled furiously to regain control of its host. But Sarah’s aim had been true. The façade tumbled and Tom beheld Sarah with untainted eyes that immediately began pouring tears, Choking and shaking, Tom clutched her like a doll and gushed repeated professions of love. Then he collapsed into her and begged forgiveness.

It was almost too much for Sarah. As Tom grovelled on her lap, showing no sign of getting a grip, she carefully disentangled herself and got out of the car.’

‘Wh… where are you going?’ wailed Tom incredulously.

‘Move over.’

He obeyed dumbly and she circled the car, took the driver’s seat and started the engine. Her voice was firm. ‘I love you too, Tom. And yes, I will forgive you. But I’m buggered if I’m going to deal with your invisible friend without a cigarette.’ So saying, she pulled into the traffic and headed for the nearest service station.

The End.