A BIG challenge

No matter what Katrina tried, nothing seemed to be getting through to her reluctant son

- Lin Silver

Toby, it’s a lovely flat – ideal for you!’ Katrina sighed, trying to get through to her unenthusiastic son.

‘But I’m used to being at home with you and Dad,’ Toby muttered.

‘Yes, and you’re always complaining you haven’t got enough space,’ Katrina reminded him. ‘Just look around you! Here, you can use that small bedroom as your study. Your desk and chair will fit in there perfectly – and you can work from home in complete peace and quiet whenever you want, or play your music as much and as loudly as you want – without me and your dad having a go about the racket!’

Toby bit his lower lip. ‘I know, but leaving you two? Yes, I moan, but I don’t mean to, and the thought of you and Dad not being just downstairs any more…’

‘You should be pleased!’ Katrina said. It was impossible to predict how her 21-year-old son would react to anything.

‘It’ll be weird – getting up in the morning and not finding you in the kitchen,’ Toby mumbled. ‘And not having Dad sitting across the table letting the pages of his paper dab in the jam pot… really, Mum, I don’t think I could cope – I don’t even know how to cook and I’m so busy with my new job!’

Katrina gritted her teeth and fought to hide her frustration.

‘You would cope perfectly fine. There’s a washing machine in the corner, a freezer and a microwave.’