Just Duffy by Robin Jenkins

Author:Robin Jenkins [Robin Jenkins]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781847674586
Publisher: Canongate Books
Published: 1988-12-08T16:00:00+00:00

He wondered if she was aware how loudly she was panting.

‘Have you ever been with a girl, Duffy? You know what I mean.’

He hardly recognised her because of the falseness of her smile. What she was about to do, seduce him, was against her nature. He knew the stresses causing it: her husband’s dying, her daughter’s unsuccessful marriage, and her grand-daughter’s fatal deformity.

The only way he could think of to let them both escape from this situation was by his being childishly naive.

‘Could I have another chocolate biscuit, please?’ he asked, in a voice that suited the request.

She stopped breathing altogether. When she resumed, after a sad-sounding gasp, she no longer panted, and her smile was genuine.

‘Help yourself,’ she said, passing the plate.

A minute later she got up, saying she would go and see if Jack was awake.

He nibbled his biscuit, making sure no crumbs fell on the carpet.

He had never before spoken to someone close to death. There would be no deceit on Mr Ralston’s part: there must be none on his. It might be too severe a test of his truthfulness and humility.

Mrs Ralston came back. He noticed for the first time how much grey there was in her hair. ‘You can come now, Duffy.’

The bedroom had been freshly sprayed with disinfectant. In the bed, in white red-striped pyjamas too big for him, Mr Ralston was shrivelled to the size of a ten-year-old child. He had always been quick in his movements, now even a wink was slow, requiring effort. His face was grey and hollow, but in his eyes were still gleams of recognition and humour.

‘Hello, Duffy,’ he said, in a low hoarse voice.

Duffy had to go closer. There was a bedpan covered by a white cloth. ‘Hello, Mr Ralston.’

‘Got a job yet?’

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