I knew exactly what she was hinting at and by by the look on her face, so did Mum. “But… Dad’ll be back soon.” I reminded them.

“He won’t mind.” Mum claimed. “He knows what we’re talking about and is probably half expecting to come back to you wearing a dress and heels.”

“That’s not going to happen.” I stated. “He doesn’t think that does he?” I fearfully asked.

“Who knows?” Mum shrugged. “He’s probably preparing himself from anything from a mild fascination with hosiery to full blown gender reassignment.” she added. “But whatever he comes back to… he’s going to love you and support you the same way he always has done… the same way we all do, and will.”

“Oh Mum you’re gonna make me cry talking like that.” I said, fighting the lump in my throat. “But I think we can all safely assume that it’s just a mild fascination with hosiery.”

“Glad to hear it.” Mum grinned, adding “A sex change would have cost us a fortune” beneath her breath.

Hannah and I grinned at each other. This devolved into a lingering smile. “So… are you gonna wear something?” she eventually asked.

“I am wearing something.” I dryly replied.

“Something like a little pair of shorts and some tights I mean.” she sassily suggested.

“Oh I dunno… not today.”

“Why not?” she asked.

I stammered muttered and mumbled a variety of half arsed reasons before reverting to ‘dad’s coming back soon’.

“Well Dad’s expecting something.” Hannah shrugged.

“Your sister’s right Peter… today’s as good a day as any… and you could wear leggings if you feel tights are bit of a leap too far.”