Family Frenzy


Family Frenzy


A quick crack, shocked silence, then a half-heard sob. Beloved Nanna, mother’s Mum, rubbing her cheek. I saw it, I heard it, I was there, aged eight. Her son-in-law – my father – pacing guiltily up and down. My father, who hadn’t raised a hand in anger against his own, nor ever would again.


Impossible to forget that moment, yet Mum claimed years later that she had and my brother was a baby. No other witnesses. A peaceful country drive, a perfect picnic spot – now marred for ever in my memory.


Pauline Fraser 14/09/2025



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