“Time will catch up with you, she tells me – by which she means I should get on and have kids before my ovaries dry up. You did the right thing with Kal, but you need to start thinking about settling down, she says. Dust settles, sediment settles – but I don’t say that. What was wrong with Kal anyway, I ask. She just sighs, the way she always does, the way that makes me feel five again.”

Extract from ‘Ten Things I’ve Learnt About Love’ – included in the showcase