The Flatshare

by Beth O'Leary

You’ve got to say this for desperation: it makes you much more open-minded.

She refuses to wear a bra even to this day, when bras have become quite comfortable and women have mostly given up on fighting the power because Beyoncé is doing it for us.

Being nice is a good thing. You can be strong and nice. You don’t have to be one or the other.

Sometimes find it hard to talk after a long night. Just opening my mouth to form comprehensible thoughts is like lifting a very heavy thing, or like one of those dreams where you need to run but your legs are moving through treacle.

If midnight is witching hour, 2 a.m. is dwelling hour.

When they’re gone the click of the door makes me breathe out in relief. Hadn’t realised how much I want quiet.

Remind myself that there is no saving of people – people can only save themselves. The best you can do is help when they’re ready.