Chapter 155: Best Intentions and Broken Promises

I dress quickly the day after Boxing Day. I had planned on leaving the night before but my mum had convinced me to stay. She had looked at me with sad, tired eyes and I'd relented even though I knew it meant adding an hour to my commute.

Once dressed, I make my way to the kitchen; I need caffeine. My mother is already up. She's wearing a dressing gown and her hair is tied back.

"Ah darling, can I get you something for breakfast?"

I try to say no, but it's useless. I accept a slice of toast.

"You know mum... you should come visit."

She nods. "Yes..." Her voice is quiet, subdued. She'll never visit. "We could go to the theatre."

"Yes, mum. We could." I sigh because if there is one thing I hated growing up, it was my mother's habit of dreaming up things she'd never actually do. She had always been the queen of broken promises. It was never a lie. She'd always had the best intentions. She'd just never been strong enough to fulfil her own dreams never mind anyone else's.