At twenty-four, Owen seems so much more mature than her, but then she hasn’t been at uni for very long. Mum and Dad are always around and eager to listen to all of us, but it’s the things you don’t want to share with your parents for fear of worrying them that mean a sibling comes in handy at times. At least you get honest, impartial advice.

There’s just time to Google opal mining in Australia before I head downstairs for the evening meal. But as I open up a tab, something makes me type in the word acceptance. I’ve been mulling it over all afternoon. I know what the word means, but not why Ceana levelled it at me as if it was a solution.

Acceptance in human psychology is a person’s assent to the reality of a situation.

Okay, I know that. I cursor on down the screen.

Synonyms jump out at me – receiving, embracing, approving. Then I drop down to the antonyms. Disagreeing, rejecting, denying are the ones that draw my eye and they pretty much accurately reflect how I feel.

I’m a woman who is used to being in control; I manage people and situations at home and at work all the time. How can I simply become accepting of a situation that makes no sense at all from anyone’s perspective? Aiden can’t explain why he feels the way he does. My family, and probably everyone else we know, think that taking a year off and not spending it as a couple is ridiculous. We’re more likely to grow apart than closer together, surely?

My head begins to ache because this is an almost constant conversation I’m having with myself every time I’m not occupied doing something.

I type in opal mining in Australia and begin reading. Then quickly wish I hadn’t.

7

The Dragon Tattoo

I didn’t expect to enjoy myself last night but after a worrying session online, it was a relief to immerse myself in the company of a large group of people. Nothing brings strangers together more amicably as simply sharing a relaxing meal at the end of the day. Afterwards, Nico began an around-the-table short and sharp introduction. One sentence that would give everyone a real sense of who we were.

It was interesting as most people found it quite hard to sum themselves up in that way. It was like the creeping death for some as we worked around the table and several asked for more time, so there was some skipping around.

I kept it simple. ‘My husband and I are taking a gap year of self-discovery, before beginning the next stage of our life together.’ Admittedly, there were a few raised eyebrows, but then it was on to the next person.