The Go-Between*

“Hello lovely!”  Seb’s message comes through at 7.35am this morning.  “Happily ensconced in the forest.  You won’t believe how fast the Bodhi trees I planted (less than two years ago) have grown.  One was a cutting of about 6 inches tall which is now 8 foot!!  Hope you’re well my lovely xxx” Ah he’s adorable. […]

A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder*

“Do you think I have time to look for a charger for my pipe around here,” Seb says as we sit outside a pub, sipping our drinks. “If you’re quick,” I say, sighing inwardly.  For once we’ve made it out in time and I’m enjoying a gin and slimline tonic and a rest before the […]

Tears Of The Giraffe*

“What time is it?” Seb says.   Turning to look at my watch, I say “it’s six fifty.  I’ve just woken up and am with my darling Seb. “I’d better get up and help my mum with moving some chairs,” he says. Oh good, I think.  He doesn’t want to go back to sleep.  I’m […]

Elephants Can Remember*

On the bus to my Office, I have a strong sense that I’ve forgotten something.  I’ve got my phone, so it’s not that.  Checking the date, it’s the 16th June and…argh…I realise that it’s my darling Seb’s birthday.  Today.  I’ve been so wrapped up in worry-about-his-exams – he has his last one today – that […]

The Adventure Of The Six Napoleons*

“So, I’ve got an exam tomorrow,” Seb says, when he calls last night. “At what time – so I can send positive thoughts,” I say, although what I mean is: at what time – so I can text you to remind you to attend it.  Or: wonder if you know what time exam is.  Maybe check. […]

The Lion*

“So how was Thursday?” I ask Seb when he calls last night. “Well I handed in my Chemistry but it wasn’t good.  I’ve rather lost focus,” he says, sounding sad. I feel upset.  “Why?” I say. “Well, I’ve been drinking and thinking about other things,” he says.  “My exams start in two weeks.” He’s finally […]

Flashman’s Lady*

“So, there’s a train strike planned for Monday,” I tell Seb when he calls yesterday.  “So, um, what shall I do about returning home?”   “Why don’t you book a train ticket to go back on Sunday night then?” He says.  “I need to work on Monday – I’ve just discovered that I do have […]

The Killing Pool*

Sitting on sofa, in turquoise towel (not mine), paralysed by indecision, exhaustion and torpor.  Need to: 1.  Wash all the towels: this one; my mint green one which Seb used when I quite clearly said “you can use the bright blue one”; my hand towels which keep drenching in night sweat. 2.  Put on a […]

The Charmed Bracelet*

The weekend guests are gone, leaving nothing but several bags of recycling – we munched our way through an impressive amount of food it seems – and a trail of their belongings: a book about running (MadFatRunner) and a grey sweater and blue shirt (Seb). Am missing both of them so much already.  Have just had a little […]