Is She Really Going Out with Him?

by Sophie Cousens

“Mum ripped up a schoolbook, then blamed it on Patrick E.” “Who’s Patrick E.?” Lottie asks. Ethan shrugs. “I don’t know. Mum wanted to smash him.” “The patriarchy,” I explain, covering my face with my hands. “Oh yes, I know him,” Lottie says, biting back a smile, as she thrusts her car into gear. “That guy’s got a lot to answer for.”

I’m blaming Patrick E. for everything from now on.