It’s just around the corner from us, with a really manageable garden and two good-sized bedrooms, so you’ll be able to have the kids for sleepovers. Why don’t you come over at the weekend and have a look?’
Emily was bubbling with enthusiasm, and Katherine’s heart sank at the prospect of disappointing her daughter. The truth was that she didn’t feel ready to downsize. Nor did she fancy the idea of a bungalow with a manageable garden. She adored her rambling garden and could happily spend whole days tending it.
‘Darling, it’s so lovely that you want me to come and live closer, but I’m very happy here and you know how I adore this house. I’m not far from you. It’s only a couple of hours on the motorway.’
‘I know, Mum, but now you’re retiring, we think you deserve to relax. Take some time out for you. You spent years looking after us by yourself after Dad died. And your job was all about looking after other people too. It’s time to
