Mum, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere! I’ve been on holiday. I might have my own issues and business to deal with. And this is Philippe. We’re going to live together.

Are you coming round on Sunday, love? I asked my daughter. Of course, Mum, she replied.

I was really looking forward to having the kids over, so I started getting everything ready for them. I wanted to put on a nice spread, something theyd all enjoy. I gave the house a good tidy-up, made sure everything looked just right, set the table, and then all that was left was to bide my time and wait for them to arrive. But the hours slipped by and nobody showed up at the time we agreed on. I started to get anxious, worrying that something mightve happened.

You see, Id actually planned to give the kids a decent sum of money. I knew how much they were dreaming of getting a new car. So, I decided to give my daughter a ring. She finally answered, sounding half-asleep.

Mum, Id completely forgotten we were meant to come to yours, she said. So, youre telling me Ive spent two days prepping the house and food for nothing? Its my birthday, for heavens sake. Mum, honestly, well come tomorrow, I promise. Things have just been so crazy and it slipped my mind. Im sorry. No worries, I muttered and hung up, feeling absolutely gutted. I threw out all the food Id prepared. Then I packed a bag, took the money Id meant to give the kids, and booked myself a little holiday in Brighton.

It turned out to be a brilliant getaway. One day, while walking through a lovely park, I got chatting with a gentleman who invited me for a coffee. His name was Philip, and he used to be a judge. It was so easy and pleasant talking to himhe had a wealth of interesting stories, and I shared a bit about my own life.

Before long, we realised wed fallen for each other. Just before my holiday ended, Philip asked me if Id like to move in with him. Ive got a flat and a pension. We could spend more time togethergo to the cinema, enjoy ourselves. What do you think? I honestly didnt know what to say at first. I have children and grandchildren, you know. But what about them? I asked. Theyve got their own lives, love, Philip reassured me. Theyll come and visit. And I remembered, right then, how my daughter had acted, and I said yes.

A week later, I went back home. There was a notice on my door asking for information to help find a missing woman. Theyre looking for you, arent they? Philip asked. It must be my daughter, I told him. Did she know youd gone on holiday? he asked. No, I hadnt mentioned it.

Just then, my daughter came rushing up the stairs. Mum, where have you been? Weve been searching everywhere for you! she cried. I was on holiday, darling. Ive got my own life, my own worries. And this is Philip. Were going to live together. I dont understand, she said. Dont worry. Theres nothing wrong with me. Dont you want me to be happy? Of course I do, Mum, she said quietly. Good. Now, come here and let me give you a few souvenirs I picked up on my travels. Can you imagine, would you have had the nerve to make such a sudden change?