Monthly Archives: February 2012

But don’t you want to see him? Lot’s of parents get divorced. I don’t think they ever did, she downs her glass. Frankie is amazed- So they’re still married? I suppose so – if he’s still alive. Wouldn’t he want … Continue reading →

half the whiskey is gone it’s loosened their tongues. Paddy’s nodded off, Corinne’s in pyjamas, curled in a blanket with Frankie, she asks: What was Nana like when you were young? Was she strict?’ Aye. With us and herself. She … Continue reading →

Corinne, Frank and Paddy are round at Aunty Dolly’s drinking tea and watching DVDs in the dark, waiting for news. They hear the key in the lock look up as Dolly comes in dark rings round her eyes a bottle … Continue reading →

Corinne is amazed: You asked Nana that? Is Grandad dead? Yes – No – she didn’t really say. Aw, Frankie Man! Nana said I had strength of will not like him. What did she mean? I divvent kna. Frankie’s lying … Continue reading →

Nana calls round, she walks slowly but her tongue is sharp: Right. Ye – come wi me! Put a coat on, it’s cad mind, them cotton things are nee good. She pulls at Frankie’s hood, Wear a scarf and gloves. … Continue reading →

hardly touches food, three mugs of tea line his windowsill, clothes pile in heaps, cds and papers lie discarded. He won’t speak, but sleeps all day, then has restless nights. He hears Dad’s voice rising up through the floor, he … Continue reading →

Corinne’s standing in the hall her skirt is short, her tights are black. Hiya Auntie Marie. She hops from foot to foot waiting for Frankie, Mam calls up the stairs. He stands at the top hovers, then descends as if … Continue reading →

they kneel on Paddy’s bed leaning out the window sharing smoky breath a quiet conversation, icy fingers touching as they pass the blow. Paddy talks quick and low Yer bring it on yerself What? says Frank. Just act, yer kna, … Continue reading →

to Frank and Paddy. Yer Mam an me have been talkin. There’s ter be nee more of this drug business. Right? Them pills or that waccy baccy. That’s what’s wrong wi Frankie. We seen it, in the papers, an the … Continue reading →