Chapter 149 · Month 56 · Starting a Family

The Bad Day

The first real conversation about children

Oldest line first — the newest line is at the bottom.

      
            Algy
            designer
            04:03
          
Look, I'm not built for Saturdays that start at half six — my mum once told me I was the only kid in the street who was late being born. Two days late, apparently, and she's still bringing it up at Christmas.

            Penny
            teacher
            04:04
          
A conversation about children, then, and there it is: the two of us at seven in the morning with a cereal bowl between us, and I don't know how to start it without sounding like a form.

            Algy
            designer
            04:06
          
Truth is, Friday was worse than I let on — I got as far as the shop and stood by the toothpaste, and the test was next to the deodorant. I put it back once, then bought both.

            Penny
            teacher
            04:07
          
Right — then here's the answer: yes, I want children, badly, and I'd rather hear your real version than a cheerful one. But not tonight; tonight we eat chips and I don't cry.

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