Wild and Wicked Things

by Francesca May

“I do it because… because this life chews people like us up and spits them right back out again. Because I have never asked for anything more than safety for my brother and sister, yet all we get is tolerance at best and downright hatred at worst. I’ve watched my family crumble and not been able to do anything about it. People don’t think of us as being human. They don’t care if we live and live well as long as their needs are fulfilled. I do it, Annie, because I’m good at it. It gives me power—a future—when I can see no other way forward.” There was heartbreak on her face, not hidden behind her usual bluster or false amusement. “I do it,” she added softly, “because magic is all I know.”

Cilla had, by forcing her hand, compelled her daughter to embrace the monster she had always feared was inside her. And although it did not feel good—it felt like freedom. It felt like power.

Regardless of the rain, of the harbour winds, of the discomfort of the streets of my childhood closing in around me, I finally feel like I’m home.