Interesting list of words, though. Words associated with my lot. Catholics. Nationalists. Republicans. Whatever you call us.

I made him stop.

Fuck’s sake. It’s awkward enough sitting there like the token Taig without you shaping up to biff your friend.

I dislike that word.

Biff? Remind me not to say it ever again.

Don’t be flippant.

Taig? At least it’s honest. What do you prefer? RC? Fenian? Mick?

They were in front of his house. She paused to root in her basket for her keys. Michael had walked a couple of paces ahead and turned when he realised she’d hung back. You’re not coming in? he said.

I’d better go home to my mummy. School in the morning.

He looked at the sky as though he was asking for strength. That makes me feel like a pervert, he said. His body had the faint stoop it had the first night, in the car park of the pub.

Sorry. She sounded petulant.

Come inside and don’t be so bloody childish.

Childish? I’ve just had to take a load of flack from your friend.

I refuse to argue with you on the street.

You refuse, do you? she said, imitating his accent. That’s a bit bloody pompous.

Please come in. He reached out his hand. She ignored it and stalked past him, towards his door.

They stood facing each other in the hallway. Have you any idea what it’s like having to listen to that? All the time.

No. I don’t.

I should have told him to fuck off, she said, instead of sitting like a good little native, letting him humiliate me.

It had nothing to do with you, I told you.

Bollocks, Michael. He asked me to translate those words because I’m a Catholic. To remind me of what my ones have been doing to his ones.

I’ll have a word with him.

I don’t want you to have a word with him. I just want to get through even one single day without being reminded I kick with the wrong foot.

Can we go to bed? he said. I’ve had quite a day.

She went to his room and took her boots off. He came back from the kitchen with two glasses, a cigarette dangling from his lips. There was a bottle of whiskey under his arm.

Do you mind if I finish this in here? he said, out of the side of his mouth.

Do you have to? You look like my ma, she said. He had kicked off his shoes and was lying on the bed, watching her undress. She slipped in beside him in her bra and knickers. He stubbed out the cigarette and arranged her so that she was lying across his chest, the covers tucked up under her chin. His left arm was around her, the hand cupping her breast. The bottle was in his other hand.