The party was boring, I knew no one, just a couple of drinks and I'll go home.
Suddenly the music started. You'll do! She shouted and pulled me onto the dance floor. She was bigger than me, even after she had kicked off her high heels. And she could dance.
The lights dimmed and the first slow number played. I put my head on her shoulder. She held me close. My name is Shine-Ba and you are going to see a lot of me from now on.
I'm Colin, but I suppose you know that.
No, I didn't know your name before. But you will let me drive you home.
She drove me home, to her home. I drank some wine and fell asleep on her shoulder. The next day was going to be good, it was Saturday, no need to work.
But I do. Wait here until I come back.
I discovered that she was a doctor at the local hospital, I discovered a lot about Shine-Ba on that day and the following days.
Shine-Ba was different. She had nothing to hide. But one day she surprised me.
There is no need to drop cupcakes into the river from the bridge. They don't burst into flames. There is no need. I am here now. I calm you down.
It was true. Why did I still do that? What was wrong with me?
Nothing, said she.
I asked Shine-Ba if she could stand on her head – she did. I held her tight, this end of her was also good – I had so many questions to ask her.
This end of you is also very good.
I'm not your mother.
I'm not a witch.
I know that you want to marry me – you can.
I know that you want to have children with me – you can.
At least two children.
I need you, Colin.
The church bells rang as the two of us walked past the guests. In the last row were three teenage girls. The one in the middle was my Mother. Seconds later I saw the bell ropes moving, we passed through the bell tower – I realised that Dad had died – and out into the bright sunlight.