Erin

Erin loves to sit down by the water. Her shoes and bag like to sit down by her, when she sits down by the water. Her dark legs dangle over the stone bank, her painted nails a stark contrast to the lamp lit river.

Matthew had been her childhood sweetheart, although at 17 that was not saying much. She thought of him and how he would feel if he knew about her indiscretions. She had never loved these other men. They just filled a hole, but never made her whole.

Life was becoming full of choices, options and paths. Am I a feisty, sassy woman? The word sassy made her uncomfortable. It was just another way of saying fat, loud, drunken slut.

Maybe I could be a power-dressing businesswoman? I am good at maths and my business studies class is going well. I wonder what other qualifications I need? I could go to careers advice and ask, but the guy there makes me feel really self-conscious. I can tell he is undressing me, but once he gets beyond the clothes he gets even deeper. I wonder if he is a rapist? I wonder if he would like to rape me?

'Erin loved to sit down by the water' Erin, presumed drowned, was an excellent student; she was focussed on her exams and was determined to make it in the business world. Given her determination and decisiveness, few doubted she would succeed. Her family are devastated and Matthew, her boyfriend, is currently being counselled for his grief.

As Matthew stood on the altar, he recalled a childhood dream of a wedding with a faceless bride. Behind his tear covered eyes nothing existed. The words he had written slowly came into focus. He took a deep breath and began.

'Erin loved to sit down by the water...'