Childhood was wearing thin at the knees

They sit on the tiny hill in the Maori park. Lit cigarettes in their hands which they sometimes bring to their lips. They look out on the dim horizon. Robert says he read in Hayley's diary that she'd done it. Nah, says Federico.

Robert shakes his fringe over one eye and shrugs. They talk about college. Robert is complaining because his Mum says he had to go to Scots. They've saved hard and there'll be less chance of trouble. Sylvia told Federico he could go where he wanted as long as it wasn't Scots because she wasn't taking out a mortgage for him. Bea said, Why does he want to grow up so fast? Robert says he is going to be in a band. It's like in the Cure song—it all amounts to nothing. Federico isn't sure what Robert means but he nods. She can't make me go to Scots, says Robert.

Nah.

Two girls come in the entrance of the park. Sarah's hair bounces on her shoulders as she walks. Rachel wears hoop earrings. Robert is page 100going round with Rachel. Rachel said Sarah likes you, says Robert. He blows all the smoke out of his mouth quickly. Something ignites in Federico's chest.

Hi Robert, says Rachel. Hi Federico.

Hi, the boys say together.

There is a lull in the conversation. The girls stand with their hands tucked in their backpack straps. Federico rubs his feet on the stones, unsure what to say next.

Well, we're off to the dairy, says Rachel.

Cool, says Robert.

The girls turn and walk away slowly. Robert lets out a low whistle, which sounds nothing like what someone in The Cure might do.