Summary

In “Life Writing,” Conor reflects on his time in school when they are forced to write stories. He recalls the day before Mum told him she was ill. They had had a great day together. As he is walking home, Lily approaches him and asks why he lied about the schoolyard conflict with Harry and Sully. She complains that they used to be friends. Conor remembers that he and Lily used to be friends; and then his mother told Lily’s mother she was sick. He passes the yew tree and tells himself it is just a tree.

In “Three Stories,” Conor lies awake in his bed expecting the tree to appear. His evening with his mother had been difficult—she was too tired to cook and he managed on his own. From his room he can hear her vomiting into the night...