– What did you do, Jessie? This is your fault.

My father says it from the door.

Still I roar, I roar and I roar. A noiseless vibration to take down all things. Timbers are shuddering. In the body of the building insects appear in larvae. One day they will take this entire building down. I won’t stop until all the structures fall and are rebuilt again. I put a sickness into Mr Udnam. I don’t even look at my father but before I turn I note there is a cavity still – in the centre of his chest.

– I want her head!

He shouts it at Mr Udnam and then points at my body.

It lays on the floor surrounded by a red-black sticky moon.

Skirts billowed.

Every wall spattered in blood.

My beautiful horns are even longer and sharper now in death – than they ever were in life.

1928

Flat 2F2

Flora (33) It’s not my cage

THE CHURCH is so pretty. Flora has not burst into flames. Because it is late, nobody is there to hear the young minister’s sermon. He appears earnest and clever. Candles are lit all through the main hall.

Mr Udnam gets on his knees. Prays. He prays for so long, Flora fears he must be praying for the absolution of all their souls one by one. Candles flicker. Saints look down on her. Like they are so perfect! Jesus holds his face up to his mother’s breast. Eventually, Mr Udnam gets up and sits back down next to her. The pew creaks.

– Have you prayed already?

– Yes I have, Mr Udnam. I prayed for forgiveness.

– For what?

– Everything.

– Good. We need to keep our house in order, give them less filing to do when we get upstairs. Did you know I’m going to make No. 10 Luckenbooth Close the first housing association in our city?

– What does that mean?

– Cheaper rent, maybe even a tenancy agreement.

– A noble cause.

– That’s what I do. I support others, to better their lives.

– So I’ve heard.

– I’ve founded seven charities in this city now, all under one name.

– Your name?

– No.

– What is it then?

– Hope.

As he says this, there is a flutter of cold air. Flora turns around and sees that the door to the cathedral is closed.

– I am on the board at eight organisations.

– How fortunate for them to have your expertise, Mr Udnam. I hope they appreciate it.

Flora turns her head to the left; looking in her bag on the side furthest away from Mr Udnam, she takes out a phial. While Mr Udnam fixates on his own might and benevolence, she inclines her head and sniffs a bump off the back of her hand. She has got so good at this; even the Virgin Mother looks impressed.

Flora puts the phial back in her pocket.

Picks up her glass.

He didn’t notice her carrying it all the way down the stairs.