10. Life just got better – Products of our parents

Cut to Rosie’s flashback. That’s her name, Rosie. Sorry I hadn’t mentioned it until now.

Make it black and white. Separate it from the linear story, just like the made for TV movies.

Better yet, picture it in home movie style super 8. Picture is black and white and grainy. A silent home movie.

Cut to Rosie at eight years old, still all baby fat and rosy cheeks. Poor Rosie Posy is wrapped in chicken wire, locked in the linen cupboard, light from the TV flickering playfully under the door.

Remember this is silent.

Rosie Posy has to stand for as long as she can, because the wire is wrapped around her too tightly, she can’t sit down for long without it cutting into the knees and feet.

The super 8 camera is unsteady and then cuts out.

It flicks back on to reveal a close-up of soiled flannelette pyjama pants, with little duckies on them. Little Rosie couldn’t hold it in any longer. She will be in trouble for that too.

Cut to Rosie’s black and white face, milky tears, she is calling out for her mother. You can tell by reading her lips.

Cut to a crucifix hung on the wall, in shades of grey.

Cut to Rosie’s mother leaning over her, straight mousy hair and rough features of a long time smoker.

Cut to black, like in the old time movies. White words of dialogue on the screen.

“Are you ready to say you’re sorry?

Sorry to Mummy, sorry Daddy, and sorry to Jesus.”

Cut to little Rosie’s face mouthing the words.