Image by Christine Renney
I have become so adept at it, the getting close and yet maintaining a space, a divide. It is flat here, a desperate patch without a roof and no walls. Apart from the one I have built and that is sturdy enough and tall. But there is the slightest of cracks and I can see through and if I press my ear against it and concentrate I can hear.
They tend to the old woman, bringing her food but mostly drink. Cans of “Super Strength” lager. One of them opens a can and places it in her hand. If she would allow it, he would help her to drink from it, steadying and guiding her head, in order to limit the spillage. But she won’t be helped and motions for him to back away, which he now does and, at a safe distance, he sits and watches her. He watches the can. She is gripping it but her hold is weak and it is cold and the can is slick.
Bundled in her dirty woollens and, unsupported on the hard ground, her movements are jerky. The can slips between her fingers and the lager, sloshing, froths at the rim. But somehow, tilting and tipping, she manages to hold on.
I think about those old arcade games, the ones with the claw attached to a tiny winch and I remember standing and staring through the glass, frantically turning the little wheel and trying desperately to grab one of the fluffy toys.
hijacked amygdala 
Oh this is masterful
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Thank you Candice.
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Had the pleasure to catch up on some HA work of yours and MBB and just so great doing that. I dropped the ball for a while due to my illness but I am back and I am awed by you guys and the brilliant work you do, so thank you for inspiring me, which you always have. Both you and Christine.
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Good to have you back Candice.
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Thank you for letting me be part of your tribe.
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You create so much space in this for the reader that it takes them on several journeys, which I think is great. Another disaffected character, I guess. Nicely done.
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Thank you Chris. It really does mean a lot.
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Always my pleasure, Mark.
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Reblogged this on The Brokedown Pamphlet and commented:
Christine and I have a new post on Hijacked Amygdala.
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