Each room feels empty without the force of her personality in it. I’ve started breaking her rules because the sight of her biscuits in the cupboard doubles me over with grief. So I’m feeding them to your sister. Sorry for that, Ginny, but Tiggy is sad too. She is learning how to takeover the sole rule of this little kingdom. I’m getting rid of my neck ache as I can now sit facing the TV and not at an angle to allow you enough space to lie alongside me. Cushions now exist for our comfort and not to cushion laps as you desire.
Although it feels like the universe has shifted with a seismic change, the people outside carry on letting off fireworks in their garden at all hours as they did when you were sick. Every time I hear them I see your face and the memory of your fear penetrates more than the fleeting lure of bonfires and toffee apples. I’m sorry you suffered a little near the end but I won’t be running race for life in your name because, for now, it’s enough that I have to carry on without you.