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looked at her mother’s concerned face.
    “Go on” she said worriedly.
    “Peter’s ashes, and what to do with them.  We can collect them any day after Thursday.  Have you had any ideas, or thoughts?”
    Abbie suddenly felt the colour drain from her cheeks.
    “Oh God, Mum” she said, putting a hand to her mouth, “I hadn’t, I just hadn’t thought. I knew about that obviously, but somehow I just hadn’t thought about it. Christ, my head really has been all over the place lately, and here’s me thinking that I’m starting to get it together, but then I forget something so important like that.”
    “Don’t you worry love, at least now though you can give it some thought?”
    “Yes, but what, I don’t really know” she said with a look of anguish.
    “Well, a good place to start would be to speak to Peter’s parents, maybe they can help you? I know that when and wherever you do scatter his ashes, I’m sure they will want to be with you, don’t you think?
    “Oh yes of course, I’m just amazed that I hadn’t thought about this, it went totally out of my head.”
    For a few moments, they sat in silence, and then Abbie said:  “As we’re talking plainly, there is something that I need to help me, to help me get on with things, to help me get on with my life.”
    Her mother looked apprehensive but said nothing.
    “I need space to be alone, on my own mum, I want you to go home, your work is done here.  Thank you so much but now I’m ok, honestly” she said and smiled.
    “Are you sure, really sure?” asked Rose. “Only if you’re really sure?”
    “I am sure Mum, and it’s not like you’re miles away is it?”
    “No you’re right dear, OK then.”
    “But not tonight, tomorrow Mum, if that’s all right with you? I’m feeling hungry now so let’s have something nice for tea, what do you fancy?”
    “Well I’ll have anything you want” said Rose.
    “Whatever…how about a takeaway?”
    Rose smiled broadly. “Well then, that means you are doing OK aren’t you, and getting some appetite back. I’ll phone for a Chinese about 6-ish and get it delivered.  Now, where did you put that takeaway menu?”  Asked Rose.
     
    Just before 6 pm, Rose announced that she was all packed for tomorrow, although she didn’t have much, only a holdall with several changes of clothes. By 7 pm they were sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by what Abbie thought was far too much food:  some obvious dishes that she’d had before and something she did not recognise but tasted great.
    “Like a glass of wine Mum?” said Abbie, showing her the bottle.
    “Well yes dear thank you, are you joining me?”
    “I will, yes, quite fancy a glass actually.”
    Abbie poured the very pale straw-coloured liquid into the two tulip-shaped glasses, and handed one to her mum. They clinked glasses, and both took a sip; the sensual fragrance of sharp green fruit and tangy acidity hit the back of Abbie’s throat, as though she had never before tasted a good New World Sauvignon Blanc.
    “Wow!” she exclaimed, “That’s lovely.”
    Although she enjoyed her food and savoured the varying tastes and textures, she found herself feeling quite full after only a small amount. Her mum ate eagerly, enjoying it all.
    The phone rang, and Abbie thought of letting the answer machine get it as she so often did, but then decided to answer.  It was Kate,   just checking if she was OK and needed anything.  Abbie reassured her that all was fine, thanked her again for everything, and mentioned that she had started to plan and also to sort out some legalities.  Kate said she would call round tomorrow at tea time on her way home.
    Once Abbie had hung up the phone, Rose said “I’ll be away in the morning early, let you get on, but you know I’m only 4 miles away anytime, day or night, and ever only a phone call away too.”
    Abbie nodded and topped up both their glasses.
    “Mum, one day later this week, do you fancy coming into town