“The telly is invadedby hallelujah channelsand informercials,both trying to selleverything neededto save you.”

“It's not about blood,"says Lucius. "It's about who you shareyour life with.Where you feelyou really belong.”

“Strange, isn't it?" he asks."Where life takes you and how much can change.”

“They scribble on notepads,the sound of their pensscratching the judgemental air.”

“I want out of this place.With no reminders."It stings -sulphur tearsin cinnamon rain.”

“I walk the city, through its crush of people and its smells:body odour, rotting food, vomit and urine. A cocktail of oppression and freedom.”

“Then she smiles, like it'sthe first time she's seen sunafter a decade of winters.”