Page 22 - My Home on the Earth

‘What do you mean, peculiar?’ frowned Alice
‘Boys don’t have hairstyles like his. He has a fringe that comes to here,’ replied Cara, placing her flat hand above her eyebrow, ‘and the top hair is cut the same length. It reminded me of a chimney sweep’s brush, like in old-fashioned photos and films.’
‘Huh! In my day, we used to call it a basin cut,’ smiled Alice. A sudden image flashed into her head as if someone had slapped her face. Alice felt faint. No! It can’t be. It’s impossible, she thought, closing her eyes.
‘Grandma! Grandma, are you all right? You’ve gone pale. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you talking about beggars,’ said Cara, gently taking her hand.
Alice struggled to collect her thoughts, shook her head and said: ‘I’m fine. Maybe you’re confusing him with someone on the TV or in one of your girly magazines. Some lads don’t photograph very well, do they?’
A brief silence followed as Cara thought for a moment and then her face dropped. ‘Got it! I remember! I’ve seen a photo of him, a real photo.’ Hardly daring to speak, she whispered: ‘At Auntie Emily’s house in Nestonbrook – in Elise’s bedroom. It was inside the blue album you brought with you. We were trying to get Elise to talk again. You remember, Grandma?’
Alice didn’t want to hear any more. She stood up and went inside the bungalow and came out carrying the album and confidently called: ‘I don’t recall seeing anyone who fits your description. Can you show me?’
Cara studied the photos as she flicked through the
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