That sounds more like Alexi’s way of thinking … keep her sweet … keep her amicable … keep her obedient. And we all know how much he loves control.

I push myself out of bed with a heavy sigh. The weight of heartache still lingers as a grey cloud over me, and I walk out into the lounge with slow steps. I feel wretched today. Doom and gloom are hovering, and I cannot bear to think of that little furball. The ache in my chest from knowing he’s not out there anymore is heavy and ...