1922
As they came into the outskirts of Enniscorthy town, Peg, who was cycling upfront, made to dismount. “I have to have that drink,” she said. “I can’t wait another second.”
Norah, who was coming up fast right behind her, pulled over too, braking hard, then swinging onto one pedal and jumping off. “Best idea I heard all day.”
“And what a day. Could we have picked a hotter one to come cycling 23 miles?”
After so long on the bicycle, the ground felt unsteady underneath Peg’s feet, but she hopped up the two steps into the shop with Norah just behind. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the darkness inside the small premises, so small that a third customer wouldn’t get in beyond the door frame. Flies buzzed, loud and insolent above shelves that were half bare. Behind the counter a
