How to Age Disgracefully

Daphne is enjoying having the dog, which she addresses as Margaret in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth’s sister, of whom she thinks: “Now, there was someone who kicked arse and never took prisoners. And such style” (81).

Daphne is proud of comments made about her on OurNeighbours.com describing her speech at the community center meeting. She also sees a photo of the postbox outside the community town hall wearing a giant red yarn hat, and knows it is Ruby’s work.

Daphne reflects that she knows nothing about taking care of babies as she goes to collect Kylie from the nursery. She returns to Ziggy’s council estate and stares down one of the gang members, who is watching her. Ziggy’s flat is tidy but small. Kylie cries when Daphne sets her on the floor, so Daphne gives her a bracelet to play with.

Ziggy finds Daphne reading a magazine while Kylie plays with her packet of cigarettes. He realizes Kylie needs changing and takes care of her, wondering, “How could someone so small elicit such huge emotions? A complex tangle of resentment, fear, and confusion, all wrapped up in the most overwhelming, primal love” (91).