Cover

Dedication

In Memory of Catherine ‘Terry’ McPartlin

Born 15th October 1935

Died 22nd March 2016

We loved ya, Terry

Prologue

Prologue

OUTSIDE THE BIRDS WERE singing. Inside the small, overcrowded, slightly pungent hospice bedroom Molly Hayes was holding her daughter’s hand in hers. Light streamed through the window opposite, warming Molly’s face and hurting her tired eyes. Despite ever-encroaching exhaustion she remained awake, eyes wide open and staring at her once-beautiful child now an unrecognisable, bloated, wretched being, battling to breathe. Scattered around her and sleeping on chairs were the rest of Molly’s family. Her husband, Jack, sitting upright, hands clasped, his chin resting on his chest and head occasionally bobbing like a comatose man on a train. His low, rolling snores providing the soundtrack to Rabbit’s departure from earth. Molly’s son Davey rested against the wall, his sister Grace using his shoulder as a pointed pillow. Their breathing in contrast to their dying baby sister’s, slow and steady. Rabbit’s best friend Marjorie lay on the floor, her rolled-up jacket between her head and a cold hard tile. She made very little sound, maybe even none at all.

Molly maintained a calm facade. She knew death was imminent. She was one hundred per cent aware that any second now, Rabbit would leave and never return. I love ya, Rabbit. I love ya. I love ya so much. Your mammy loves ya. Then out of nowhere Rabbit found that last burst of strength and gripped Molly’s hand, frightening the living shite out of her. She levitated off the chair. ‘Frigging fuckersticks,’ she mumbled under her breath and, her hand on her heart, she briefly considered whether or not her youngest was trying to take her with her. When her heart resumed its normal rhythm she steadied herself and leaned in towards her dying daughter. ‘Rabbit?’ she whispered. ‘Are you still with me, love?’