you are so desperate for people to like you, it’s written all over your face and permeates your whole outlook. They know there will be no comeback on them; you will soak it up like a sponge.

‘You want money, I suppose. I’ve often wondered when this day would come – you knocking on my door, having failed in life like you failed me as a daughter.’

I felt like a teenager after his first bottle of cider and wanted the journey to last forever. I hadn’t felt like this in a long, long time.

She explained that she never turns down the chance of an onion ring as she has loved circular food ever since her granny used to give her spaghetti hoops as a treat when she was a child.

‘Well, I’m officially single now, for the first time in years. I thought it would feel liberating but it just feels sad and a bit shit.’

I think this was the moment I realized that my life was no longer mine to control.

It made me sad, but I convinced myself that this sadness was all part of me making a new start and moving on.

Dad was comfortable having Mum around but I never recall him showing her any affection. He was a dour and distant man with a foul temper and, I’ll be honest, I was scared of him.

Back in my car I was as high as a kite just from being in her presence and hearing her speak again.