daughter, Gina, at a special institution in Sunbury for Christmas. She doesn't want her daughter around: their ways are separated in the station (although Mrs. Etterick travels with Gina to Sunbury). 'Clapham' is a word that is often used by Theroux (the writer) in his other short stories (not in this book). Narrator: The narrator is an omniscient and unintrusive narrator: he knows everything but he doesn't give a comment. Hints in the story: * In the beginning they are talking about Gina and Mrs
Frank denied the allegations vehemently, but Ruth was not convinced. She carried on like a dog with a bone, refusing to let go. “For God’s sake, you crazy she-raccoon! Why can’t you get it into your thick skull? Gina and I are nothing but friends! She’s a happily married woman with two kids – one the same age as Trudy!” he bellowed in defense. “Oh, yeah? Then why are you slapping on that male-perfume shit on your face every morning before going to work? You’ve never done that before! And what’s up