Red Harvest*

The fields flash past.  Am on the train home already.  It’s a gorgeous hot day and the sky is a cloudless blue. Haven’t heard from Seb for a week.  His last message was last Saturday.  Hope that there is some innocent explanation for this: 1.  He’s broken his new Thai phone. 2.  He’s been kidnapped […]

The Scent Of Rain And Lightning*

“Arrived safe and sound, by the way xxx”.  The message comes through from Seb at 12.45pm today.  Am so happy to hear from him.  Have been wondering whether or not he’s arrived. “Ah great.  In Bangkok?” I reply, at 2.10pm when I see the message.  Am at the parental home where there isn’t much phone […]

The Nine Tailors*

“What are your measurements, Tanya?” Seb says as he’s packing his huge rucksack this morning.  “Is it OK if I leave this shirt here?” “Of course,” I say, taking the shirt from him.  It’s my favourite one: big blue and grey checks and it feels soft.  Am pleased that it will be here so I […]

A Streetcar Named Desire*

“I will drive you home today,” Seb says.  He is wearing his grey vest that he puts on to channel Marlon Brando as Stanley in Streetcar.  Somehow it makes him look even more posh though: his mane of hair flopping over his face and his big, turquoise eyes.  He has such a kind, open face. […]

Eye For An Eye*

“Happy Tuesday?  Have cancelled my Saturday morning appointment so can come down on Friday now if that suits,” I message Seb this morning. When I wake up in the night, drenched in sweat, am panicking about not going to see Seb until Saturday when it will be busy.  Also there is a train strike planned […]

I’m Not Scared*

“I’m going to take my suitcase out and put it on the floor,” I say to Mum on the phone this morning. “Don’t make the mistake of packing though,” Mum says.  “I’ve done that in the past, and you just forget what you’ve packed.  Tell you what: why don’t you set your clothes out on […]