Thank you all for your support and comments. I'm very touched.

My aunt is not my cousin's biological mother. In her words "she's the only mother I've ever known". The timing is also difficult to understand, given it was Mother's Day in the UK. It's also around 14 years since her husband and father died.

The only person allowed to visit at the moment is my cousin's son. Whether this is due to continuing Covid restrictions, her state of health or both. She is in an acute unit so receiving the best care possible.

As predicted, my mother's attitude was disgraceful. I had to resist telling her exactly what I thought. For over an hour, she talked at me about how hurt she was by the restrictions on discussing my cousin. I stopped short of actually spelling out it was not about her. Finally, after accusing me of taking sides, she uttered the magic words "perhaps I am being selfish". My silence meant more than stating the truth!

She did agree that it was not the right time to send a get well card. I want to carefully choose one that portrays the right sentiment.

Sadly, my mother thinks it's still okay to criticise me whilst also expecting my ear. We have history, which she tried to bring into the discussions. I deflected this by saying that my cousin's mental health is far more important.