1.There’s some idea at the back of her mind she just can’t put into words. ‘That young fellow out there—I don’t seem to be able to recall his name—he’s—he’s— (a small break here while her hand shakes) he’s in a dark place.’

2. Who does she mean? My son? My husband? Or some other member of the family? Or is she, at some other level, referring to herself?

3. She was always deep.
But now she seems to be talking up to us
from a bottomless well.