GEOFF: It would’ve been tragic for anyone—but for someone as young and beautiful as Gabrielle it was shattering. She wasn’t just beautiful either, Jock; she was intelligent, warm, cheerful, popular—she had everything going for her. We tried to keep a stiff lip but I was distraught and so were my parents. Every time I looked at her I had to turn my head away so that she wouldn’t see me cry, because the last thing she wanted was pity. I just can’t tell you how brave she was, Jock. Don’t be sad, she’d say. I’m still alive and I’ve still got my family. I mean Jesus, is that courage, Jock? Is it?

JOCK: That’s courage.

GEOFF: One night I heard her crying in the dark in the next room and it became too much for me to bear—is this all too much for you, Jock?

JOCK: No, no, go on.

GEOFF: You’re looking a bit pale.

JOCK: No, no. It’s just that the tobacco’s stronger than I’m used to. Go on.

GEOFF: So I went and lay beside her and held her in my arms and we cried together. For hours. Every night after that I’d comfort her in the same way and we’d lie together crying in the dark, then one night… I’m sorry Jock, I shouldn’t inflict this story on anyone. You’re looking as white as a sheet.

JOCK: It’s the tobacco. Honest.

GEOFF: Are you sure it’s not getting too heavy?

JOCK: No. Go on.

GEOFF: Well, without either of us knowing quite how or why, we became lovers.

JOCK: Jesus.

GEOFF: We knew what we were doing was wrong. The surprising thing was that we didn’t care. It all seemed so right. Can you understand that, Jock? It was wrong but it was right. Can you understand that?

JOCK: No legs?

GEOFF: It sounds sordid but it wasn’t. I loved her, Jock.

JOCK: How long did this go on?

GEOFF: Not long. One night when Dad was away on one of his many business trips the light was suddenly switched on and there was my mother.

JOCK: Hell.