#OTD in 2010:

Harry: “Yes?”

Ruth: “Sorry, it’s me. I know it’s late.”

Harry: “Listen. Given what you said, re: what I said, I don’t think we should be sharing late night tete-a-tetes. Let’s just stick to work.”

Ruth: “This is work.”

Harry: “Good.”

#OTD in 2009:

Ruth: “I was happy, Malcolm. Life was…”

Malcolm: “Calm?”

Ruth: “It’s like one of those scary dreams. When you’re taken back to a time and place you thought you’d left completely behind.”

Malcolm: “I’m so glad to see you again.”

Ruth: “I left some fresh fish out on the side. It was so hot, they’ll be completely… Doesn’t really matter any more, I suppose.”

Malcolm: “There’s a car waiting. We’ll take you straight back to the Grid.”

Ruth: “How is he, Malcolm? What’s happened?”

Malcolm: “Harry’s in great danger, Ruth.”

#OTD in 2010:

Ruth: “Harry’s never going to give you Albany.”

Lucas: “You always underestimated yourself, Ruth.”

Ruth: “Lucas… No, no! Please! Lucas! Lucas!”

Lucas: “Don’t struggle. Ruth, don’t struggle!”

Ruth: “Lucas… No! What have you done?”

Lucas: “Don’t fight it. Come on, don’t fight it. Relax, relax… It’s okay, just relax. Ruth…”

Ruth: “What have you done?”

Lucas: “Just relax, relax.”

#OTD in 2005:

Ruth: “It’s good to have you back.”

Harry: “It’s good to be back. I’d better get up to speed. Lots of files to read. I wouldn’t want to miss anything. Don’t work too late.”

Ruth: “I’ll get the last bus.”

#OTD in 2010:

Ruth: “This is Gazelle. I’m on the move.”

Tariq: “We haven’t got long.”

Ruth: “You try remembering the Mandarin for quark.”

Tariq: “14th floor. Grade one IT lab. There’ll be a priority access terminal where you can hack into the system.”

Ruth: “Okay, there’s a guard and a very locked-looking door.”

Tariq: “Sorry. There was no indication that would be secured.”

Ruth: “Okay. That’ll do.”

Guard: “God, are you alright?”

Ruth: “No, sorry, I’ve got hypoglycaemia. I need to get to a bathroom. Got to take my shot. Can you let me? Look, I’m sorry, I know you’re not supposed to…”

Guard: “I’ll get some relief. I’ll check on you in two minutes, okay?”

Ruth: “Thank you, thank you. Come on, come on, come on.”

#OTD in 2010:

Harry: “I’m sorry about your lip.”

Ruth: “Don’t be.”

#OTD in 2010:

Ruth: “Harry…”

Harry: “If you don’t start knocking, I’ll have to have you fitted with a cowbell.”

#OTD in 2006:

Ruth: “Hi.”

Harry: “Hi.”

Ruth: “I…er…I just wanted to say, about Ros, that you were right. It isn’t your fault, Harry.”

Harry: “Thank you.”

Ruth: “Goodnight.”

#OTD in 2010:

Harry: “Yes?”

Ruth: “Sorry, it’s me. I know it’s late.”

Harry: “Listen. Given what you said, re: what I said, I don’t think we should be sharing late night tete-a-tetes. Let’s just stick to work.”

Ruth: “This is work.”

Harry: “Good.”

Hot Mess offers an insight into ADHD in a compact and creative way, highlighting the damage and anxiety that can be caused by a well-meaning, but ultimately toxic, parent.