When Kate took her mother home on Saturday morning, Jan wasn't there. Instead, it was Cindy who opened the door.

Cindy was twenty-eight. Her hair was bright green, and she wore rings, lots of rings: rings in her ears, a nose ring and a lip ring, and a ring through her tongue too. Her face was unnaturally pale, like dough for making bread. She looked as if she'd just climbed out of bed. She didn't speak to Kate, who, for once, didn't know quite what to do or say.

Eventually Kate said, 'Please tell your mother I'll call her later.'

'Clear off!' said Cindy, and shut the door in her face.

'Who was that nice lady taxi driver?' asked Sarah.

Cindy burst out laughing, in spite of her bad mood.

'Never seen her before,' she replied.

'She was very well-spoken,' said Sarah. 'Perhaps her husband lost his job, so she has to drive a taxi now.'

'Could be,' said Cindy, smiling to herself. It was such a lovely idea.

'Can I have my tea now?' asked Sarah.

'OK. I'll make us both a cup.'

Cindy took Sarah into the kitchen and put on the kettle. Sarah sat looking out of the window with empty eyes.

'Where are we?' she asked suddenly. 'Have I been here before?'

'This is your home, Gran,' said Cindy.

'Don't you remember?'

'Are you sure? I don't think I've been here before. Do I have to do anything special?'

'No, Gran. Just wait a minute and we'll have a cup of tea. Then you can have a rest. I have to go out for a little while, but I'll be back later and make you your lunch.'

'Do I have to do anything special today?'

'No, Gran. I told you, just sit there till the tea's ready.'

Sarah sat, nervously squeezing her hands, with a frightened look in her eyes.

'Do I have to do anything special today?' she asked again.

Cindy's good mood began to disappear.

'I told you no, Gran. For God's sake stop asking me the same question all the time. You're driving me bananas.'

'Where's my tea?' asked Sarah.

Cindy dropped two teabags into the pot and poured in boiling water.

'Nearly ready,' she said.

As they sat drinking the mugs of tea, Sarah began to show signs of nervousness again.

'Do I have to introduce you to anyone here?' she asked.

Cindy replied heavily, 'No, Gran.'

'When am I going home?' Sarah suddenly asked.

'You're at home now,' said Cindy.

'Am I? I don't recognise it. Have I been here before?'

'You've lived here for the past forty years, Gran,' said Cindy. 'Don't you remember?'

'It's a nice cup of tea,' said Sarah. 'Do I have to do anything special today?'