5 - Do You Hear What I Hear?
Celia Higgins has never been an expectant woman. Not really. But to have Shifty throw her over like that, well, that wasn't right. So now she's stuck living next to the world's most dysfunctional yet functional family and listen to their arguments. It helps her pass the day.
In the morning it is the bathroom. Around noon it is Grandad and his meals. Then from teatime onwards there is a whole variety if episodes available, most usually featuring tarts, fathers, divorces, babies and money. Ah yes, they keep her amused. Other neighbours have almost peaceful lives, but living next door to the Boswell family is anything but. And now, in the run up to Christmas, it all escalates. When Nellie goes out, the boys argue about what they're getting her. When Nellie is in, they're all arguing about Christmas dinner and decorations. When Billy arrives from visiting Julie, they argue about who's invited for Christmas. Honestly, Celia could get a specialised degree in Boswell family relationships. And yet, when they visit, she pretends she hasn't heard. Acts civilised. Waits. Because Shifty will return. And she will have her time.
Arguments are one thing, but Celia prefers the sweet sound of silence for her disputes. Movement over voice. Ah, she can feel how Shifty will fall one day soon. And how she will rejoice. So very, very much.
So while the Boswells argue, Celia waits. Because one day they will argue about what Celia wants to hear. Shifty. And when she hears that, her plans can begin.