‘But… really?’

‘I know, Lex. I almost couldn’t believe it myself, but if I’m honest with myself, the signs have been there the whole time. She’s so needy and she’s always been lazy. She kept trying to put me off going to uni in case I moved away, and then she had the perfect excuse to bring me back from my holiday. It took me three days to get home, so I didn’t know how long she’d been in hospital – turns out she was never even admitted to a ward, she was only seen in A&E.’

My jaw drops as I put it all together. She’s right. What else could it all mean?

‘Shit, Sash. I’m so sorry. All these years and she’s been at it the whole time. That’s so wrong. And it’s a slap in the face for people who are so unwell they have no choice but to claim benefits. They don’t want that. They’d rather be independent; have a life. It makes me so mad that the few who take advantage of the system like this make it so much harder for those who are genuinely unwell to get the support they need. You’re going to face up to her about it, right?’

‘I really want to.’ Sasha sounds despondent. ‘I just don’t know how.’

As she says this, I feel genuinely saddened. Sasha’s spent the last seven or so years putting her life on hold to look after her mum – all for nothing. She’s the most genuine, caring person I’ve ever met and she’s been completely taken advantage of. And for what? So her mum could live a lazy, selfish life, and keep her daughter from moving on and living her own.

With these thoughts swimming round my mind, I realise I’ve been a bit selfish too. I’ve been so focused on restarting my life on my terms, I’ve forgotten my best friend needs me. My support is everything to her, as much as her being able to support me. A two-way relationship – as it should be. I also realise that I really miss Sasha. She’s the only person I can truly rely on, and I want her back in my life properly, just like before.

‘You know what?’ I say to her suddenly. ‘You can work up to having it out with her. Take it one step at a time. First thing you need to do is come down and visit – in the next few weeks. Leave her on her own for a weekend and let her fend for herself. We can catch up, make a weekend of it, and you can see if you actually like it here before you make any kind of decision.’

‘Oh, Lex, really?’ Sasha sounds encouraged at this suggestion. ‘Are you sure? You might find it too tiring so soon into your new job. Not because you have MS, but because everyone gets exhausted in a new job,’ she rushes to add.

‘I’m sure. I’ll be settled properly in a few weeks. And while you’re down we can work out how you’re going to handle your mum.’