Synesthesia. I was about 20 before I learned it has a name and not everyone has strong colour associations for numbers and letters, or sees a visible map of time in their head, or has music take shape. It never occurred to me to question it because it’s always been my norm.

I’m sorry you went through that. I hope things continue to get better and better.

These stories are about big black male cat and a white and tabby female.

We only had the girl a couple of months before the boy died. She had been mostly hiding out in the spare room; he wasn’t hostile to her, she was just so nervous. However, when she heard me crying, she came into my bedroom and stayed with me. She still comforts me, and likes to act as a weighted blanket by lying on me while I sleep.

When the first baby was born, the boy, who hadn’t shown hunting behaviours since he was much younger, somehow managed to find a mouse to leave as a tribute by the baby’s cot. He was the only cat we had then. When the second one was born, we only had the girl cat. She also found a mouse and left it right next to the gift bag of baby stuff. Apart from that, I’ve never seen her hunt even a spider. I’m sure they would both see that as a kindness!

All of the above

I love my induction hob for all the reasons you mention. It is by far the best hob I’ve used - much better than gas - and I cook a lot. The only slight downside is ensuring you have the right pans, but they’re widely available. My enamelled cast iron casserole pot works a treat.

Another recommendation is Joe Abercrombie. His First Law series scratched the ASOIAF itch for me as is is similarly gritty. The full series is 2 trilogies with 3 “stand alone” novels inbetween them, and a book of short stories.

Also Preston Jacobs on YouTube is working on a collaborative alternative Winds of Winter. I really enjoyed their Alayne chapter.

I’m trying to think of something I can actually do, but all I can think about are weird coincidences beyond my control:

My parents and my husband’s parents were married on the same day in different parts of the country. His dad also shares my birthday.

My first child was born on the same day as a moderately famous comedian’s first child. Later, when I looked that comedian up, I realised my second child was born on his 50th birthday.

You’re Wrong About podcast has an episode about this with Blair Braverman guesting, that I think posits a decent theory. Blair also appears on episodes about the Andes plane crash and the diphtheria serum run, both of which are well worth a listen.