Matching big sis and lil sis heart designs

The ovens were already roaring when I got your message, so I read it standing by the proving racks with flour up to my elbows. You always pick the hour when I am least able to be sensible. Mum says you have the flat painted again, and that the landlord has finally stopped pretending the boiler is fine. I told her to tell you to ring him, not me, but you know she will just do it herself.

Three of the hot cross buns split in the tin this morning because somebody, Dev I think, opened the door too early. I have been thinking about the summer we swapped the sugar and salt jars when we were nine, and how Gran ate a whole tray of scones without a word, just gripping the edge of the table. You laughed until you were sick on the lino. She never forgave either of us, but she kept making chocolate fudge at Christmas for years after, which I have always taken as forgiveness dressed up as sugar.

Come up in the spring. The lilac on the canal path will be out by then, and the shop has a new window ledge facing the water. I will leave the back door on the latch and keep a loaf warm on the bench. You can be cross with me about the rent money in person, which is the only way it ever really works between us.

Your big sis, always two steps ahead and usually wrong about the bins.