I mope in through the backdoor, dumping my bag onto the worktop, and dragging off my cardigan onto a heap in the armchair. Calm, soothing music surrounds me from seeping down upstairs.
It’s comforting to know that I’m not by myself at home. Since mum got her new job as manager of the new bakery and café near the big office blocks, there’s been a lot of music recently, floating down upon me when I come back in from the library or school. I think it’s sort of a sign…or something. If the music isn’t playing, mum’s had a tough day, but if it is, I know I can safely venture up into her cushioned pad.
I wash my hands with the lemon and lime foam soap, and grab a Fifteen from the fridge, gobbling down in one, two, three bites. Her bedroom door creaks open and mum’s soft voice calls down to me, “Heidi? Hei-dee hun?” I rush over to the bottom of the stairs and spot her, beaming down onto me like the Christmas tree fairy I made in year three.
“Ah! There you are! I was wondering when you’d get back! Listen, there’s some leftover Fifteens in the fridge-” she stops in mid-sentence as my grin broadens. I bite my lip, hold my tongue. “have you? Heidi! Why did I ever mention it? I should have known you would have already helped yourself! Anyway, I was going to say, only have a small one. There’s a nice tea in the fridge and I don’t want you going spoiling it before you even know what it is. Even though I won’t tell you!” she laughs, and plods downstairs, resting her duster on the window ledge. “Looking at the time, I better get a move on!
