Coming to terms with a new set of rules.

Don’t look at me like that, please don’t do it. No, stop.
Please don’t … slam the door.

Can I come in?

Listen I think we need to talk. Just sit down and listen. Could you put that book down? No, I said put it down, not chuck it across the room. What’s going on? I don’t understand any of this. Can’t you just tell me? Can’t we just talk about this? We used to be able to talk. You used to be able to talk to me.

Don’t roll your eyes at me young lady. Don’t talk to me in that tone of voice. I’m not some spotty bloke in the playground. Darling do you think you could put down your mobile phone – that text message can wait.

Can you just tell me what’s up? Do you think you could do that? Please, I’m begging you. Please tell me what to do; how to make it better and to make all of this stop. Can you tell me why you’re running away from me?

We used to be so close and now you seem so far away and it’s breaking my heart. Can you tell me what I need to do to make it better – tell me; I’ll do it, do anything. Can you tell me?

Oh. You can’t.

But you know where you can find me, right? I mean, when you’ve worked it all out, you will tell me won’t you? You’ll do that won’t you darling?

Please.

Just let dad know when you’re ready to talk. Or something.