“You could put that Madeira in one of your cocktails,” Mum says. “Where is it?” I say, pouring gin, Cointreau and lemon juice into the measuring jug. Am making a White Lady. “In the door of the fridge,” Mum says. Opening the fridge, I take out the tall thin bottle, open it, sniff it. Am […]
“So, it won’t be as bad as last time, will it, since the cancer wasn’t even in the skin on my left side?” I say. Am at the hospital, talking to my radiologist about upcoming radiotherapy. He stares at me. “On the contrary, we didn’t zap all the cancer in your skin on your right […]
“Do you know what this is, my lovely?” Seb says, gesturing at the television. “Ummmm,” I say. There’s Vanessa Redgrave and Emma Thompson clad in Edwardian gear: long skirts, velvet hats, high-necked blouses. It’s a period film but am not sure what. “It’s Howards End,” Seb says, sounding cheerful. “This is the film that made […]
“Hi there,” my surgeon says, opening the door of her consulting room. She looks lovely: her sleek dark hair tumbling down her back. “Hello,” I say, throwing my arms around her, kissing her on the cheek. “It’s lovely to see you.” “Hello,” Mum says, smiling. We follow her into the room and take our seats […]
“Did you know that Sussex is the most wooded county in England,” Seb says, as we drive through a wood. “That’s why I love it. I love trees.” “Yes, you told me last time,” I say. Once, I remember, I asked Seb when he would like to be living, if he could choose any historical […]
Scars, Tears and Training Bras 