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In its previous life it was an asylum.
with her mother back into the crowds.
The most productive activity I have planned for my morning is to take a riveting Buzzfeed quiz on what kind of onion I am.
Something tells me this is not the first meaningful interaction this woman has had with my daughter.
The three of us stand watching,
movement as Sally’s son Markus darted out from next to the shed.
though I’ve never used one and so can only hazard a guess that that’s what it is.
I’ll never forget she left me a single mum on my own at nineteen.
Aunty Gabbie,
‘Sometimes I wish he’d just disappear.’
considering we’ve shagged.
I avert my eyes, not wanting to laugh at an inappropriate time,
It makes me want to give him a hug.
Morning, ladies. I’m not sure of all the details yet but something has happened at Dr Roth’s house.
‘It appears he may have taken his own life.’
‘Thanks a lot.’ Lacey’s clipped voice echoes through the waiting room.
It’s David Timson, the concierge from the main gate.
He lived not far from me when he was a kid.
‘I … don’t know how to …’
Heidi-isms have
He was a violent drunk
keep her daughter safe.’
Leave her alone. And leave us alone.’
No idea what Norah’s been through? They’ve got no idea what I’ve been through, or what tomorrow is.
Oh, I’m fine by the way, guys. Thanks for the concern.
‘I know what you did.’
I can remember all too well.
‘Where are we going, Mummy?’ you say.
He was only trying to be nice. It’s not his fault. Please don’t blame him.’
‘I didn’t think you’d let me be friends with him. You never let me have any friends.’
I’ve never been able to get a reason out of her.’
‘I lost the baby a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t know how to tell people.’
… I wasn’t being melodramatic.’
‘Believe it or not, I do know how you feel.’
Gareth Wilson is Lacey’s dad.
Same old. I don’t get why she won’t let me have any freedom. Am I just never supposed to have a life away from her?
After we had the argument I went to the bathroom and picked up one of Mum’s razors. I really considered using it.
Oh yeah, she’s all right. She saw me that night, ya know? She knew I’d set the fire but didn’t say nothing. I’m not surprised. She’s not the type to snitch. I wish she was my mum instead. I reckon she’d make a great mum.
Mum’s asleep so I’m using her laptop. It’s the only way I could think of contacting you. She’s taken my phone.
How are you?
I have to assume it is really her.
‘Yeah. She killed her all right.’
‘You mean the arsonist and the alcoholic? Yes, I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave them.’