This week my mother's sister is staying with her.  Maria, the nurse and cook, is staying at a neighbour's but doing all the housework... so what is there to worry about?  Or even to talk about on the phone?  I have felt a bit on holiday from all the responsibilities, and haven't phoned since Tuesday.

Just as I was about to phone this evening I noticed my home phone flashing a message.  My mother had rung while I was out.  Her tone was mum-of-teenage-child.  Haven't heard from you. Do hope you are all right. Blah, blah.

But her phone was engaged from 6-7.30.  Probably accidentally of the hook.  At 8 I went out to a conveniEnce shop - and she phoned my mobile. (I didn't get to the call) In the message her voice was cracking with worry.

We spoke half an hour later and everything was "fine".  We had little to say.

Everyone I know is telling me - understandably - that, for the sake of my own sanity, I must take my distance from my mum.  But how can I when she is as demanding as this?