Once I was on a bus, there was no compelling urge to rush into the first pub I saw and drink myself into oblivion. I got off a couple of stops early so as to stretch my legs and check my appearance in a shop window. The night was still, and as I approached, I was very surprised to hear her raised voice, and there was fear in it.
I had not specified a time, and hesitated that I may be about to intrude upon one of those private moments couples need. A neighbour's window slammed down in protest. She was pleading; there was what sounded like a slap, and some muffled sounds which made me very apprehensive. All I could do was wait. Her chatty letters had not mentioned her having a new boyfriend and another round of the argument floated down. “Gerard, leave me alone, please go.” God Almighty, wh
