Brian paid Ella a visit in her flat and gifted her the book, “Wow I appreciate this with my full chest. I have not received gift in a decade now,” she said, smiled hugely at the thick book and started flipping through. “This is a comprehensive text on child delivery and mother’s wellness,” she said, flipped yet further and trying to read in between lines. “When did you buy it?” she asked cheerfully.

“Em,” he felt like lying but didn’t fancy lying to her. He would ...