I’d never really expected murder to affect me personally. But I believe we’re all capable of it. It’s so easy—just one brief, angry moment and it’s all over.

An argument over the kitchen sink where one party is holding a knife…. he or she strikes out.... The next thing you know a life has been cut out like an eye from a potato and the person with the knife is arrested for murder. My sympathies are usually with the murderer on those occasions.

The ambulance was quick to arrive and the paramedics tried so hard. To think they have that struggle on a daily basis!

I feel sad for Gavin as he awaits his trial. His solicitor has warned him to expect a custodial sentence. But I hope the other inmates go easy on him. He’s a gentle soul, not cut out for prison life.

If only I could give him some sign that I still love him; that I don’t bear him any ill-will. But I can’t do a thing. Everything stopped when they put the oxygen mask over my face….

      "Uninvited by Empty Cage" Photograph by Jaqueline Johnston