The Forgetting

by Hannah Beckerman

‘The loft ladder’s pretty treacherous – I need to get someone to come and fix it – so don’t venture up there if I’m not here.’

‘Schubert. The Trout Quintet. Why? You look dreadful.’ The music weaves between my ribs, tightens its fist around my heart. ‘Where have I heard it before?’

‘My parents always warned me: be careful who you have kids with. Mortgages, joint bank accounts, marriages – you can extricate yourself from all of it. But have a child with someone and you’re linked to them for the rest of your life.’