cheesy bachelor ’ s grin has been replaced with an unpleasant smirk deep in thought . 14 across – Dim or worn down , ( 5 ).
Three toothbrushes in a coffee mug . Loose blonde hair and the corner of the camera peep into view inside the cabinet mirror .
New York Metro . A narrow panel of a red sun flare finds a gap between two buildings , illuminating a pregnant woman on the train who doesn ’ t know she ’ s being photographed . My father ’ s shoulder debuts stage left of frame ; I bought him that shirt for his 55th .
Dinner with friends . Archie sits to the left of John , both hosting two near-empty plates in front of them . The following photograph is their view , with Allison sat on the right-hand side of a woman I ’ ve never met before . My mother , staring slightly above the camera , looks genuinely happy here .
( p . 27 ) My college graduation , 1995 . This is the same as the framed photograph on the cabinet . I suppose I can get rid of one of them , I won ’ t need both . Most of this is junk anyway . What am I going to do with their cutlery , or my father ’ s tools , or the temperamental microwave which needed replacing anyway ? It feels wrong to throw them away , and far too dramatic to burn them . I ’ ve thought about making an inventory so if I do , down the line , feel nostalgia ’ s tight grip around my neck , I can review the list and know that nothing was forgotten . Should I write a description ? My father ’ s beige raincoat had a Halloween candy and an ink stain in its breast pocket ; he must have chewed the biro ’ s end too much whilst struggling to finish a crossword in an October shower . 14 across – faded .
( p . 28-34 ) A series of birthdays between 1996 and 2002 . My parents ’ camera habits must have waned , or they made some sacrifices to the album after indulging in those early years . A lot of these look the same : a slightly off-center shot of each of us in front of a cake ; a repeated sequence of Allison , John , then me ; respecting the rule of thirds . All the candles remain lit . The exception is my mother ’ s 50th , who pouts mid-wish . The abutting photo is of her , halfway through tearing wrapping paper . It ’ s a record . Pastel Blues , it looks like .
Wedding Photographs 54