It seemed a bizarre thing to realize now; I had devoted this much time to her yet had never heard her say a thing. I had never seen her in motion either, only in photos, but hearing her voice was the most surprising thing. ‘Mum, stop it. You’re being a pure bitch!’ The first thing I heard her say. She was well spoken, and her clipped rhythm reminded me of Pat. I rewound the video, listened for any sound of Mark returning, and started again. My phone was on the sofa next to me. A couple of hours ago I’d had a text from a number I didn’t recognize, saying, SORRY 4 BEING A MOODY BINT THE OTHER DAY. HOPE YR WELL N KICKING. DAISY X. The Doors were playing, the same song that had been playing the first time she had danced in front of me. A red skirt, flaring with a spin, was the most vivid memory. That, and the way her mood could turn so quickly. Would you like that?
