Lessons IN LOVE

Emma and Dan were just starting out together so why were they arguing all the time?

Wearily, Emma climbed the stairs, burdened by her heavy shopping bags and tired after her shift on the children’s ward. Soon she’d be home to the top-floor flat she’d just bought with her boyfriend Dan.

They hadn’t believed their luck when they’d found somewhere they could afford. But it was going to take all of their resources to transform this neglected little eyrie into their longed-for first home.

As Emma approached their landing, she could hear faint thuds as Dan and his dad, Neil, fitted the wet room – stage one of refurbishment.

Emma put down her shopping at the front door to catch her breath and gather her thoughts. She’d argued with Dan before leaving for work, snapping at him because he’d promised to shop for groceries, then forgotten. Why did she keep flying off the handle? She never used to. Perhaps when the new nurse started, she’d feel less stressed.

Today she was exhausted but – miracle of miracles – she had the whole weekend off. It was Dan’s birthday on Sunday and she was determined to give him a special day.

As she manoeuvred her bags through the doorway, Dan came towards her. ‘Hi, Em. We’ve cracked on with the refit.’

Glancing at her shopping, he asked, ‘Why didn’t you ring me from downstairs? I could have carried those up.’

Emma couldn’t stop herself. ‘I’m not helpless!’

Stepping over an open toolbox, she added, ‘It wouldn’t have hurt for you to tidy away some of this clutter from the hall. I’ve asked you countless times to keep it clear.’

‘But we’ve been working flat out,’ Dan replied. ‘I was just about to tidy up.’

‘Good,’ said Emma, going into the kitchen. She started putting away the shopping and noticed a dish in the oven. Opening the oven door, she sniffed the aroma of one of Dan’s famous casseroles. His culinary skills never failed to impress her and were in stark contrast with her own limited abilities.