Margaret and Alan move from their Havant house to a smaller bungalow in Emsworth as their children become more independent.

Margaret begins work as senior administrator at Millbrook and adjusts to networked computers, email and unfamiliar office systems.

Margaret records the final week of her father’s life after a severe stroke and the practical decisions that followed his death.

A chance meeting in Fareham brings Margaret and Denise back into contact after eighteen years.

Claire marries Simon after organising the day with the same attention she gives to most family arrangements.

Margaret meets her first grandchild and discovers that Claire has her own clear instructions for handling a newborn.

Margaret’s knee pain is diagnosed as mild osteoarthritis, leading to exercises, practical adjustments and selective acceptance of help.

Margaret’s first smartphone proves useful, irritating and capable of turning a reply into an accidental telephone call.

Joan continues using buses on her own terms while Margaret notices the practical adjustments her mother refuses to call help.

Margaret records the week between Joan’s severe stroke and her death, including the hospital visits and practical questions shared with Peter.

Elliot’s first Christmas brings a new baby, Ruby’s practical objections and the family’s first Christmas after Joan’s death.

Michael and Leanne announce that they are moving in together, arriving with answers to most of Margaret and Alan’s practical questions.

Pauline’s retirement prompts Margaret to consider her own working life while their friendship begins moving beyond school-office conversations.

Margaret has a cataract removed from her right eye and approaches the recovery instructions as another process to check.

During the first lockdown, family visits move onto video calls with delayed speech, poor camera angles and regular contact.

Margaret and Alan first meet their new granddaughter Poppy through a video call during the winter lockdown.

Margaret records the practical first weeks after Alan’s death without repeating the private details of his final morning.

Margaret agrees a reduced three-day working pattern at Millbrook following Alan’s death.

Margaret completes her final day at Millbrook, hands over fourteen pages of notes and leaves the office without moving a changed tray.

Pauline takes Margaret to an Emsworth local history meeting where disputed dates and incomplete memories prove more interesting than the buildings.