OCTOBER 29th-"Mum always had a strange habit of stroking my hair while I was sleeping. I never really minded; it actually started to become reassuring. That all changed when she died and the stroking didn't stop."

I try to relax in my bed, and fall asleep. It is proving difficult. I have a chemistry test in the morning, and need my rest, and at this rate it isn’t happening. Mum always had a strange habit of stroking my hair while I was sleeping. I never really minded; it actually started to become reassuring. That all changed when she died and the stroking didn't stop.

Now I try my best to keep my eyes closed and bear through it. I can almost pretend nothing is happening, except for the cold that comes with the stroking. It’s not freezing exactly, but it’s enveloping and penetrating. It gets right to your heart.

I tried asking my brother if he’s been having similar experiences, but he started crying and I got in trouble.

I suppose I’ll just have to get used to it again. It is my mom after all! Perhaps I can invest in an electric blanket? I can see my breath, so make that an electric blanket and a new quilt. Maybe she’ll leave on her own? Oh good, the stroking’s stopped. Time to get some proper sleep, and hopefully remember my periodic table in the morning.