WHEN Jade’s phone rang and the name “Mum” appeared on screen, her first reaction was to reject the call. Her mum communicated with her frequently, normally by text message, and often for the most mund

HAVE you finished with the static bike?” Ruby asked her friend. “The others are all still busy.” Nina stretched up and groaned. “All yours,” she said. “I’ve done my five miles.” Ruby clapped in admira

NEW YEAR’S EVE ”Have you made any resolutions?” Sophie asked. Emma put her phone on speaker as she poured a cup of tea. No Champagne for her tonight. “No. Every year I resolve to exercise more and tak

WENDY sighs dispiritedly as she stares out through the kitchen window. Last week’s scattering of snow has melted away, taking all the sparkle with it, and now a grey mistiness infects everything with

PIPPA woke early and went down to the shop as soon as she was dressed. She had big plans for today. Along with her usual duties, she was going to make a start on clearing the back room, and she wanted

STEP ONE BUY YOUR ORANGES! No one could say my mother-in-law was easy to get on with. “Mum can be rather rude even though she calls it ‘plain-speaking’,” warned Jeremy when we became serious. “Dad cou