Alone Time

Written for https://lindaghill.com/2023/06/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-3-2023/

June just wanted to be left alone, an hour’s peace was all that she wanted. If she were in the front room, her husband would be moaning about his computer not working. If she were in the kitchen, there would be toddlers under her feet. Either hungry, or wanting to go to the park. That, and all the phone calls she needed to make and she was at the end of a very tight tether.

‘I can’t find my PE kit Mum, you said you would wash it!’

Fourteen, and still not able to use the washing machine, it was all too much.

‘Mum, have you heard me!’

Yes, and all too clearly.

She stared at the full sink of washing up, ready to commit a murder if someone didn’t stop shouting. Glaring towards the front room, she heard nothing but silence. If he heard, then he was ignoring his daughter – as usual.’

‘Mummy, will you do my homework with me, it is due tomorrow.’

Enough was enough.

‘Steve, would you empty the washing machine for me, and put Tabitha’s clothes in the drier. James, ask me in an hour, there is something I need to do and would someone do the washing up. Is it too much to ask for a little bit of help?’

‘But I’m watching football,’ Steve said.

‘Don’t care, they are your children too!’

Grabbing the bubble bath, a book, and a bottle of wine from the side, she stomped upstairs like a teenager. Her dog, Scamp, looked at her. Right now, he was the only one she could stand being with.

All he did was lay on the floor, not wanting anything but her company.

The door locked, she let them get on with it. Now, where was she in her book? Oh yes, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Immersed in magic, the day melted away.