Hearts in the Hard Ground

in the hard pit of my heart; a green shoot.

Were we kind? To the house, to each other, to ourselves? We tried. Annika and I listened out for Charlie every night. It was the least we could do before he left us forever. I don’t know how you slept through it, Annika would sigh. You must have been a monster.

Tonight, after the crack, I let out the breath I was holding. Slowly, the secret sounds returned. I frowned: they’d changed. My new nurse’s uniform hanging up on the back of the door rustled with starch; by my feet, Puss groomed himself and purred; beside me, Annika breathed; in the guest bedroom, her sister, brother-in-law and nephew, come to stay the fortnight, turned in their sleep.

I’d never known my house so content.

Do you hear that, Annika? I whispered.

She lifted her head, dozy with sleep. Hear what?

I smiled and stroked her lovely cheek. I think they’re finally gone.

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Contents

Title Page

Begin Reading

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