This is one great and involved story @jayna The characterisation in particular was stunning. I could myself really disliking Katrina and her clucking ways. Also, I'm not a big fan of privileged people, I often find them vaccous and obnoxious, but the mother seemed pretty level headed.

Was it true that this was how teenagers developed complexes − because their mothers tried to help them become better people?

Ha ha, most probably true. I'm still convinced My mum used reverse psychology in me for that very reason.

Again I love how you build the characters in this story and both the mum and Angela create a feeling of warmth in me.

Then the most amazing thing happened. Angela must have said something, and Katrina must have clucked. Isabelle could not hear them and would never know. But all of a sudden Angela stopped, just before the intersection and the oncoming train.

With a great twist and by the end with the clucking saving the day and I even warm to Katrina... a little 😉

A really Great short story!

P.s. I'm going to try and write something to join in with my own challenge tomorrow but I've been struggling with illness, stress and lack of creativity the last few days.