Chapter 21
Leo
Under the canal bridge, there is a lot of piss.
I’ve found a spot between two puddles. My brain has woken up a bit now. There are others here, there always are. I don’t talk to them. I spin the flick knife I got from the hardware shop in my hands, feeling the blade with my finger. Nice and sharp.
I open my phone and get up her number. Not much battery left. I’ll charge it in Maccy’s tomorrow.
I know it was her. At the AA meeting.
Her from the car. I saw it before they battered me. Parked up behind me on Priory Road.
And then I saw her get into it when she left the church.
I’d love a Volvo XC40, so I don’t forget them. Her with the sunglasses.
Rich, and stupid.
Maybe she feels bad about leaving me on the street last night. Not taking me to the hospital. The way her eyes lit up today, when she heard me speak. She loved it. The poverty of it all. Bet her house is massive. The kind of person that has jewellery she doesn’t wear. That car, too.
Hey
Thanks for giving me your number today
AA is amazing like that
I’d love some help if you’re offering. Therapy sounds perfect
Happy to meet at your house, not really got anywhere to go
I pause, then add:
Sleeping under a bridge tonight
And send.
I quickly take a picture of my sleeping bag. Get an angle that makes it look really pathetic and thin.
In this
Then, just like I thought.
Oh, Leo, that’s awful
I’m so sorry you’re going through this
Yes. I can do that
When works for you?
Got any time this week?
This week is perfect
I look forward to hearing more about you
This woman is crazy.
But I guess many people would say that of me.
Maybe that man in the meeting was right. Maybe we are all the same.