Christine would remember that summer as the moment her life split into before and after. The smell of

“Dennis, who are they? Where did all these people come from?” Christine’s voice wavered as she tightened

28 September 2024 I can’t keep living with a pensioner. He said it while staring at his plate of meatballs

“I can’t live with a pensioner any longer,” Victor said, staring not at me but at the plate of meatballs

— The trip’s off, — James said without looking up from his phone. — Mum’s coming. I stood in the bedroom

“– The holiday’s off, – Leon said without looking up from his phone. – Mom’s coming over.” I was standing

28 June 2026 – Diary The morning light slipped through the pine‑scented hedgerow as I pushed open the

— James, who’s that? Why are there so many people here? — Helen’s voice trembled; she squeezed my elbow tighter.

— Either you take him home today or I’ll tie him up by the road, — snapped the man in the pricey jacket

“Either you take him today, or I’ll tie him up by the road,” the man in the expensive coat snapped, flinging










