Another freezing day in River Town warmed with our love
I’m on the train from Elm Street, fares have gone up, so the train ticket to visit you is even more expensive now.
I’m feeling very run down from the anxiety of what your mum might have in store and the agro she might give at the end our day together.
You’ll be on holiday next week, I won’t see you for 2 weeks almost. 5 weeks off, 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off… This isn’t good enough, our cuddles and kisses need to be more frequent.
Arrival to River Town
Lots of people were hobbling around wearing medals. It was River Town Half Marathon day. I wanted to also run it as part of my marathon training, but given your mum’s relentless hostility, I thought it would be best not to add it to the already difficult conversations taking place. She makes it very difficult to speak about anything beyond what she wants to.
It would’ve been so lovely to run the half and then get lunch together. I could have told you all about it and inspire good sporting habits.
Fortunately, as the race had started much earlier, there wasn’t big impact to the trains, but restaurants were very busy.
Our day
We had a tasty meal at Wagamama. A return visit. The staff are very friendly and accommodate so well for little ones. I’ll try other spots next time when it’s not as busy.
I think you were thinking about how tasty the fish bite was!
After our lunch, I took you for a walk super wrapped up, to protect against the cold outside. I also had lots of layers on in preparation for wandering the backstreets of River Town, to help you doze off through the bumpy paths.
We joined other kids at the playground where your sense of adventure is building. The slides are a little scary but exhilarating and swings are exciting but you get caught out with the mini g-force on the way back down.
My beautiful winter babe
To keep a balance of outside and inside, I made use of the shopping centre to browse for a while to keep us from freezing.
I try not to go to the shops too much and keep it in my back pocket for a rainy or cold day, of which there may be many!
Once I’d given you some snacks and changed you, we headed back to the station, a numb walk physically and emotionally.
It’s hard not finishing the day as I would love to, some warm hugs and letting you know I’ll see you soon. Instead your mum imposes this setup where she becomes the respite from the cold and I’m the one forcing you out for the day during the winter.
Even missing saying goodbye
So often I don’t even get the chance to say goodbye. As we make our way through the groups of tourists, you rest your eyes and wake up with your mum the next time you open them.
At the least today, your mum’s dig at me was minor. She just complained that you were asleep. I barely react.
She knows why you choose to rest while travelling from the centre in the cold. I wish she would think about her hostile behaviour. Not agreeing on a more reasonable meeting point in the centre isn’t in your interest. It’s not worth spiting me if it makes you at all uncomfortable.
Not being together next week
I hope you have a nice holiday and remember me when you’re back.
I’m not allowed to be with you, but you’re always in my thoughts.
Listen through the podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5nqA9ZiPGLCS9V4w3gvW24?si=1ayYAcG7Q1m-7Hr3zp75Ow
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