‘Because Granny June doesn’t want us here,’ I say, not wanting her living with any false hope about who my mother could be in her life.

‘She doesn’t want us here?’ Bonnie asks, letting go of my hand and walking over to the chair. ‘That’s not very nice,’ she says to my mother, but she is also ignored. ‘My other granny is nicer than you. She gives me biscuits when I go to her house.’

My mother turns quickly to look at her. I wonder what she will say. She doesn’t say anything. Instead, she hisses like a cat at Bonnie. It frightens her. I scoop up my little girl, and she pushes her sweet face into the nape of my neck. I remain still for a few moments, forcing my mother to acknowledge the affection that exists between me and my daughter.

‘Up yours, Mum,’ I say, before we leave. This time I add a finger.

Out at the front of the house, I feel an odd sense of relief. Like I closed a door, and can now keep walking down a much brighter corridor. Like the rest of my life has just started.

‘Right, how about we go get fish and chips and eat them on the beach?’ I say to Bonnie, wanting to distract her from what just happened.

‘YES,’ she screeches joyously.

As we sit at the beach, on the bench that is dedicated to my dad, Bonnie eats her fish and chips out of the paper that is resting on her lap.

‘Yummy,’ she says. So happy.

A text message from Liam comes in.

Just checking in, are you guys OK? I’ve been worried.

We’re fine. It went as expected with Mum. Let’s call it closure shall we?

I’m proud of you, Rubes.

Thanks. Hey, maybe we can have dinner Monday night, when we are back. 8pm at my house?

Sure, but isn’t that a bit late for Bonnie?

Who said anything about Bonnie being there?

I put my phone on silent and drop it back into my bag.

‘Do you want one of my chips, Mummy?’ Bonnie asks me. I tell her no. We sit for a few moments. Her eating, me staring out to sea. The smell of the vinegar makes my tummy rumble.

‘OK, maybe just one,’ I say, taking a big, fat chip that is all soggy and soft.

It really is delicious.

Lauren Pearce – Instagram post

@OfficialLP

The picture is of two little girls. Both blonde. They are in a park in pretty summer dresses. Their arms wrapped around each other, they are smiling and look full of joy.

The caption reads: