Dad tried to calm things down by suggesting he’d start loading the van.

‘Thanks, Dad,’ I said. ‘It’s all through there, and I’ve labelled everything so we know where it needs to go when we get there. Freddie, would you get the two suitcases from my bedroom?’

She nodded but went reluctantly, knowing she was about to miss the action.

Mum went to follow Dad through to the kitchen, but I held out an arm and stopped her.

‘I’m not being melodramatic, Mum,’ I said. ‘Don’t dismiss my feelings that way. You can either be nice today, or go for a walk and come back when we’re finished, okay? It’s your call.’

‘Annie,’ she said. ‘I’m your mother. Don’t talk to me that way.’

I lowered my voice, because if I didn’t consciously do that I would shout. ‘No, Mum. Don’t you talk to me that way. I’m sick of it. I am a grown woman and I am proud of who I am, especially after everything I’ve been through. You can either respect that or … I don’t know what the alternative is. But at least for today can you just be supportive please? I don’t have the energy to fight.’

‘Yes,’ she said in a small voice. ‘Oh, Annie. I don’t know why it’s so hard for us to get along.’

‘Because,’ I replied, my teeth gritted, ‘it’s as if you don’t even like me.’

‘Of course I like you, darling!’ she replied. ‘Of course I do! You just … confuse me, most of the time. It’s so frustrating to watch somebody as clever and talented as you hide under a bushel.’

Mum thought I was talented?

‘That’s not the way I hear it,’ I said. ‘You constantly nag at me. You pick at me. You belittle me!’

‘It’s not nagging, Annie. That’s me caring. I think you’re a remarkable young woman. I just wish you’d … I don’t know. You can be very wet, a lot of the time. Find your backbone! I know it comes out clumsily, but that’s all I mean …’

‘Coming through!’ Dad said, barrelling towards the front door with a big box in his hands. ‘Watch yourselves!’

‘Me too!’ said Freddie. ‘Suitcases on wheels coming through!’

‘Whoa!’ I squealed. ‘The front door isn’t even open. Hold on!’