Hi Inky, Anita,

Thank you so much for your responses. It really is food for thought. What really struck me is that I never thought about looking at the situation from a 12-year old’s eyes – it must have been heartbreaking for her to see her mum hurt by my seemingly selfish behaviour, and it was easy for her to get angry at me. And it gives me comfort to know that she is happier being with my parents without having to go through what I did.

Also, she is going to be 18 now. She was 12 six years ago when everything happened. That’s why I reached out to her recently because I thought it was a decent amount of time – but looks like she is hating me more now than before, which isn’t what I expected. I have left her alone now, but I don’t know if or when things may change.

Afrin x