Monthly Archives: September 2012

There’s a pile of faded papers and an envelope on top – Dad takes it out, gives it to Dolly. The envelope is yellowing and furry at the corners the stamp is a man’s head with a pointed nose, wearing … Continue reading →

all those years ago about his Dad’s locked cupboard at the garage. Dolly’s not sure: Could be anything – bills old love letters from yer mam.. her voice trails off, Frankie says But what if it was something about Grandad? … Continue reading →

through the shiny wet streets it’s one a.m. He rings Corinne, hears her sleepy voice: Frankie? what’samarrer? Haway. Letus in. Canna stay at yours the neet? He’s standing looking up at her window, he sees her light go on; two … Continue reading →

and hot, like the air’s waiting – Frank’s listening to QBoy, the lamp is on, making his shadow into a landscape on the wall. Suddenly there’s banging and shouting, then an army coming up the stairs, his door bursts open … Continue reading →

and Frankie has to face it eventually. It’s dark. The leaves on the trees are flickering round the street lamps jittery in the breeze. He’s dropped two Es, feels braver than he should knowing what’s waiting. He walks fast until … Continue reading →

on fear and excitement. Sunday is sunny Dad and Paddy are fixing a bike in the backyard. Mam’s eating chocolate and reading Hello. Paul knocks on the back yard gate, Paddy lets him in, grins, says nowt, Dad looks up, … Continue reading →

Sorry – I miss u They meet, and talk it over sitting on the steps beside the Baltic art gallery watching people come and go over the Millennium Bridge. Frankie’s made his mind up. This is it – I canna … Continue reading →

on the Monument steps watching the evening sun light the stones a warm cream; girls are stotting in their heels down the bank, their squeals ring out as they head for the quayside. Paul’s an hour late. Frankie knows in … Continue reading →

Frankie’s wiping off the tables when he sees a face peering in, it’s Paul; flustered he goes to the door, says: What are you doing here? Well that’s nice, I must say, not even a hello? It’s – we’re nearly … Continue reading →