Dear Mummy,

I have been thinking a lot lately, about the things you used to say; about the annoyed face you used to make when I would come downstairs after three days of not seeing you, with a pile of dishes stacked so high you could just about see the top of my head, and the even more annoyed face you would make when I would climb back up the stairs and return with 14 tea-stained cup, and a slightly bedraggled cat following me down into the living room.

I guess you never really appreciate how annoying mess is until you feel as if you have to take responsibility for it. When I was living with you, I felt like it was more your house than mine, and I didn’t feel bad about putting the dishes in the kitchen. Now I’ve moved out, and I’m paying rent, I get irritated when there is the smallest amount of mess around me, because I feel that, because I’m paying, everyone should keep it as tidy as I do.

I also want you to know that, regardless of the amount I love you, smoking smells, it makes your hair fuzzy and makes your clothes stink. Stop doing it. I thought I’d be getting away from the smoking, but my flatmate smokes, so boo-hoo.

I miss your silly questions about your laptop, and your spaghetti bolognese, and I miss Barney. I haven’t seen him in for ever.

It’s odd not being with you around Christmas as well, so I am looking forward to seeing you.

Lots of love

x