The Gathering

Veronica recalls the times in her childhood when she and Liam were sent to live with their grandmother Ada. The physical and emotional toll of multiple pregnancies permanently impacted their mother’s mental health. Veronica remembers that one day, when she, Liam, and their sister Kitty were children and living with Ada, they had tried to run away back home to their mother.

Veronica recalls Liam visiting her in the hospital after she gave birth to her daughter Rebecca. That was around the time when Veronica and the rest of the family started worrying about Liam having an alcohol addiction. Veronica now realizes that worrying about Liam’s drinking was a way to avoid worrying about his real problems.

The narrative returns to Veronica’s reimagining her grandparents. Now Ada and Charlie are married and very much in love. Veronica recalls viewing her grandfather Charlie’s body after he died. Veronica had no real affection for Charlie, who was often absent. But seeing his body, with Liam beside her, taught her that one day Liam would die too.