Mum thought for a moment before saying “I suppose it is a bit mean if that is the case.” She looked at me and smiled. I agreed that it is a bit mean. “Still, he looked happy enough… as did his brother and his brother’s friend.” Mum suggested. “I might buy you one of those nighties.” she said to my horror.

“They were horrible!” I insisted. “All pink and prissy and… yuk!”

“They weren’t all pink and prissy.” Mum replied. “They had loads of boyish ones.” she reminded me, before listing: Ben-10, Iron Man, Spider Man, Star Wars, Pirates, Football, Racing Cars, etc.

“They weren’t too bad.” I admitted. “But I’m too old for Ben-10 and Star Wars.” I reminded her. Mum smiled at me. I sensed she was only teasing me, or testing the water. “Anyway, they’re still girl’s nighties even if they have boyish stuff on them.” I added, just to make sure.

“They’re not girl’s nighties Peter.” she stated. “And for the record, I liked the pink and prissy ones best of all.” she grinned.

“It wasn’t all that long ago you and Auntie Helen said it was ‘scandalous’.” I reminded her.

Mum reminded me that it was only she who’d thought it scandalous. “Your Auntie Helen was all for it.”

“So why do you keep going on about it if you think it’s scandalous?”

“I don’t keep going on about it, and yes I did think it was scandalous…” Mum replied. “…at first.” she added. “I quite like it now I’ve got used to it.” she grinned.

I exhaled long and slow through my nostrils before telling my mother in no uncertain terms that if I want to start wearing that stuff, I’ll ask for some. I was calm and considered I might add, not shirty or disrespectful. Mum smiled through pursed lips and nodded. “Well if you do change your mind, don’t be shy.” she advised. “And if it is just a nightie, no one else need know because you’d only wear it at bedtime.” she smiled.

Mum didn’t mention it again and neither did I…. until about three weeks later. I’d got home from school and mum said she had a surprise for me. “What is it?” I excitedly asked.

Hoping for a new video game or DVD, a digital watch, maybe a TV in my bedroom… Mum told me it was in my room. I scampered upstairs with a TV in mind… I’d have been happy with a second hand one, but no. All my hopes of a decent surprise were dashed as soon as I burst in. Mum was right behind me. “What do you think?” she asked.