I pulled on my jacket. The sleeves were slightly frayed and the lining torn, but it kept me warm enough for this time of year.
‘Mum, I’m off!’ I called. There was no answer. I sighed and walked down the hall towards the kitchen.
My mother was sat at the kitchen table, smoking a cigarette. She looked small, ashen faced and frail, staring blankly out the window.
‘Mum?’ I asked softly.
She turned her head slowly. ‘Oh. Yeah. Have a good day, Danny.’ She smiled, but it didn’t really r