‘Mum, we’re not doing the marriage and children discussion again.’

‘I just want you to be happy, dear.’

‘And I can’t be unless I have a husband and kids?’

‘Life is about family.’

‘Life is about living, mum. On your own terms. Not for your parents or for anyone else.’

‘Time is ticking on, Cassie. Once it’s too late …’

‘I’m sorry, Dad, but I can’t stay.’

‘Where are you going?’

‘I’m leaving, Mum. I want to enjoy my holiday break.’

‘You didn’t even wait five minutes to ...’

‘Desmond … don’t. We’re your family, Cassie.’

‘And this is life.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.