(In which Vera quietly confronts Annie with the final two inscribed pavers.) Annie rang. “Vera is not well. She sprained her ankle and it is strapped up but she can’t walk or do anything so I am here looking after her. I was wondering what to do to keep her occupied and she said she would like to sit and listen to you and me … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 55

(In which Vera expresses the desire to see Annie confront her deep seated antagonism to Germans.) I spent the next few days with the girls or taking photos around Jersey. Covid restrictions weren’t as tight as they had been and as long as I kept away from groups I could go most places. What I was really doing was giving William and Annie space. William … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 54

(In which Jack relates how he learned to cope with loss and tragedy.)  The three of them settled down to listen. “Right-O,” I said. “Well, when Katie died I sort of lost my way for a while. I drank anything I could find in the house. I wouldn’t sleep in the house so I set up a camp at the back of the machinery shed … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 53b

(In which Jack begins to explain the metaphor of the ‘getting lost’ game.) Later that evening after Molly and Dylan were home and the two youngest fed and ready for bed I walked down the path and past the Green Lizard Log to William and Annie’s house. Was I in love with Annie? No Molly I am not. Not like you meant. Although if needing … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 53a

(In which Molly triggers Jack’s memory and he remembers Katie’s advice.) I woke up the next morning worried. I was unsure of why I was worried but I was exhausted and felt like going back to sleep. I knew there was something I needed to do but for the life of me I hadn’t a clue. Molly came in with a cup of coffee. “Well, … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 52

(The old man dreams and asks his wife’s spirit for help.) The old man and Katie The old man lay in his comfortable bed in the little comfortable house of his Jersey friends and wondered how he should treat Annie. “Katie, where are you now that I need you?” He missed his wife and now that he needed her he realised that he had never … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 51

(In which William has a few thoughts of his own) William has a few thoughts Three days after the visit by baby Zuzanna (Susanne), William came around for a quiet chat. No mention was made of the baby. I was happy with that. When it comes to things that are specifically female I had always relied upon Katie. Now with Katie gone I thought I … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 50

(In which Molly brings a newborn baby home from the hospital.) It was Saturday. Three days after I had taken Annie down to get lost on the golf course. Molly was home from work tired, exhausted but quite obviously up to something. She had been on nightshift and was having trouble sleeping but had slept in until lunchtime. Then said she’d be back soon and … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 49

(In which an old memory flood the old man’s heart.) She fell off her horse. Thinking about it later, the old man didn’t remember ever learning to ride a horse. He had always known. His father had put him on his horse while he was still in napkins. And Jimmy Wirraway who was only eleven or twelve sat him up on his horse and they … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 48

(In which Annie plays the game of getting lost in the dark) I have never been very comfortable after witnessing upset and anger in people I know and this time was no exception. Katie used to tell me that avoiding people never solved anything and that meeting someone after any time of disagreement was very often less upsetting than the expectation. And as was often … Continue reading Green Lizard Log – Episode 47