Justine, Pt1.

We meet Justine, who has an insane and disturbing proposition to make a decision about, and we learn about her background.

The unacceptable reality, the truth which she cannot hide from herself, but also cannot endure, is that it was her who had asked the questions. Her who had driven it— at least at the start. That as soon as she had stopped responding, they had suggested a change of subject. [Read More]

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

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Justine, Pt2.

Justine's turmoil intensifies; we learn about Sir Stephen, and something about his part in how she has come to be in turmoil.

Stefan had made his decision, and this conversation only reinforced it. She was suitable. Her chances of having a meaningful life were better his way. Even if it would be the sort of meaning that he appreciated, and very different indeed to the kind of 'special' that Ulya had hoped for her child. [Read More]

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

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Justine, Pt3.

Justine's year as an upmarket au-pair, during which she begins to think of herself as a sexual being.

It was beginning to be a little of an obsession with her, wondering if, before the summer was out, one of them would find a way to proposition her, and if she would find it possible to say 'yes'— not just freeze like a silly little almost-virgin. [Read More]

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

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