Is She Really Going Out with Him?

by Sophie Cousens

While I live in a three-bedroom semidetached in the suburbs of Bath, my sister and her husband, Seb, have moved into a country house with sprawling gardens and an apple orchard. Lottie makes her own jam, which she gifts people for Christmas.

Am I world-weary? Is that why I focus on the risk of humiliation and disappointment rather than delight in the joy of possibility?

I guess some things in life you don’t get to choose; you can’t choose the plot, but you can choose the soundtrack.

Did I tell her I have kids, or do I just look so tired she assumes I must?

Maybe it’s not healthy to be stuck in roles you’ve outgrown.” He leans over to grab another log, and when he throws it on the fire it sparks and smokes. “I have the same. In a family you’re allocated a role; it’s hard to break out.