Dear Mum,

I’m writing this letter to express my gratitude for all you’ve done for (to) me.

Thank you for the time I chopped my locks off at eight and you remained silent for three days.

Thank you for all the times my stepdad stumbled home with a strange smell on his breath and you locked the door.

Thank you for the time you bought me my first phone and rendered it useless, the screen cracked and frayed.

Thank you for all the times you made me feel like investing effort into myself was a pointless chore.

Thank you for the time I missed my curfew and you doomed me to a night of frost and porchside living.

Thank you for all the times my father came to collect me on the sunny weekends and you let me leave with a splash of red and giddy elation.

Thank you for the time I introduced my lover to you and you refused to let us be, smoke pouring out of your ears in a rage so livid.

Thank you for all the times I said I loved you and you gave a curt nod instead of simple reciprocation.

Thank you for teaching me how to be the mother I never want to be.

Sincerely,

Your loving daughter.