home is where the heart is

'How's settling back into Melbourne going?'

'What's it like being home with the parents??'

'How are you? How's the new job? How many dates? ;)'

I tap the following, on the train, one morning:

'It's good to be home though I miss Canberra. Waking up at 6.30 (I used to wake up 8 and get out of bed 8.30!) and the one-hour commute (each way) is a drag but I love Mum's cooking, spending time with family and going to lit / art events, especially Alice Pung's.'

I resist the urge to shrug and answer:

'I like being home with my parents but I like living by myself too.'

I laugh at my friend's email and apologise for the draft started two days ago:

'New job is good. Lots to learn as I'm starting from scratch! (I don't think you realise how much you know until you leave a role...) Everyone is friendly. It's rather wholesome lol.

OMG. No dates (I'm not expecting any men in my life for a long time...) and I didn't go to the party mentioned as my friend cancelled last minute. Their power cut out due to a leak.'

I meant to email earlier.

I didn't know what to say. I still don't.