Operation Cushion Next on our sewing-day agenda were cushions. My friend had recently decorated her lounge and wanted to make some new cushion covers, and she wanted zips.

These friendships have taught me something I didn’t learn until much later in life: I don’t need to change who I am to belong. I don’t need to be louder, more present, or constantly available. The right people don’t need a polished version of me, they’re quite happy with the slightly chaotic, tea-fuelled, often absent one.