Thud! I slammed the door shut, went to my bed and collapsed. Silent tears were streaming down my soft cheeks as my heart pounded.

“How could she not allow me she said she would? How could she deny pleasure and joy to her so-called beloved daughter?” I thought.

I had asked my mum the permission to set up an Instagram account of my own, but she had refused.

“You’re not old enough, honey,” she had said.

My brain reeled with this memory. She just stood there, her eyes reflecting the sunshine, her simple dress fluttering. I could see myself, too, shaking and yelling hoarsely, about her old ways and stopping me from doing what I wanted to do.

My friends posted reels and stories day and night. And there was I, using my mum’s account and restricted from everything fun. I just wished I wasn’t a teen, that I were an adult and could choose my own life.

My mum woke me up the next day. She was already bustling around, packing her small suitcase in a hurry.

“Ava, you’re in charge of the house,” she said while smearing her soft pink lipstick. “Gran’s very sick and I have to leave quickly. Take care and don’t forget to charge your phone. I’ll call you.” Then she kissed me on the cheek, positioned her glasses and left.

I buzzed with excitement. I rushed to get ready, tied my hair into a messy bun and started to make hot chocolate and a mug cake. Sitting down with a mug of creamy hot chocolate and soft, warm mug cake, I picked out my favourite novel and sat down for a lovely breakfast. I sighed, savouring the freedom.

After having a lot of fun, I........

© Dawn Young Magazine