بخش 05

There are always two sides to a story.

How many of you know the saying ‘Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you?

Next time, when someone says something to you.

Good, you’re home.

Your mum’s upstairs.

She wants to talk to you.

What?

Your father’s flying in on Sunday.

Dad’s coming?

From America?

Go on.

She is waiting.

And pack a bag.

You’re coming to stay with me for a few days.

Go on

That tree is amazing.

It’s been here for thousands of years.

What do you think?

I think Grandma is trying to turn me into Tina Turner.

She must be a fan.

Why am I going to stay with Grandma?

Are you going back to hospital?

Come here, Con.

This latest treatment’s not doing what it’s supposed to.

So they’re going to adjust it, try something else.

That’s all?

That’s all.

Are you sure?

I’m sure.

Because.

You could tell me, you know?

There.

Everything will be fine, Conor.

You’ll see.

and bang, right into his side.

Where are you going?

Don’t touch him.

With such a punchable face?

I said don’t touch him.

O’Malley and I have an understanding.

I am the only one who touches him.

Isn’t that right?

Now tell me, why is it every time that I turn around, you’re there looking at me?

Getting a bit odd, don’t you think?

Sorry, that was a bit harsh.

Life’s not really going your way today, is it?

I have a house to show.

I’m trusting you here alone until your father shows up.

I’m not five years old.

This is the correct time.

Not the one on your phone, or on the computer, not even on the news.

It was my mother’s, your great grandmother’s.

Perfect time keeping for over a hundred years.

Conor, pick up your rucksack

I don’t want your father to think I’m keeping you in a pigsty.

Not much chance of that.

Now, when you go to the hospital, your father may not notice how tired your mum is getting.

So we have to make sure that he doesn’t overstay his welcome.

Not that that’s historically been a problem.

No eggs.

You’ve already had eggs twice this week.

If you get hungry, there’s spinach in the fridge which you can steam.

Yes, sure.

Don’t touch anything.

I’ll do my very best not to.

Get in

Dad.