Defiance

When Albert, a young drifter, turns up on Karl's doorstep, neither of the men is prepared for the consequences.

Albert, a 27-year-old gay man has no idea where he is heading. Karl, an 87-year-old resident of the idyllic cove where Albert arrives at the start of the summer, cannot keep a lid on a pot of memories, stirred by Albert's arrival, which threatens to overturn his simple and quiet life.

In forging an unlikely friendship, they both feel compelled to share a fact about themselves.

Karl's memories of a long since dead romance re-surface, with unexpected consequences for him, Albert, and neighbour Joan, Karl's lifelong combatant.

"… My mother liked to read. She particularly liked an author called Lucy Maud Montgomery – she wrote Anne of Green Gables – you probably don't know it."

"Can't say I do, Karl."

"My mother's favourite was a story called Story Girl … There was a line from that book that she had carved on her gravestone. If I remember it correctly, it says … Nothing is ever really lost to us if we remember it …"

"I'll never forget you."

"Then neither you nor I will ever be lost …"

Defiance is the first Tale from Love Lane. Look out for more instalments in the future.