Rebecca watches from afar as the football is freed from the wasps’ nest. A vested boy jabs hard with a broken tree branch, the football rolls out pursued by buzzing black dots, causing the boys to retreat in unison. Moment later they’re playing again. Rebecca turns to Johnny. ‘I don’t like you using the word “twat”, Johnny. What do you mean, you’re going to hammer away at a twat?’ ‘I was joking.’ ‘I hate that word.’ ‘Fanny?’ Rebecca turns to leave, causing Johnny to scramble to his feet and begin his shamed and lolloping pursuit. Really, Rebecca doesn’t give a shit what words come from Johnny’s mouth. But lately she’s grown tired of the endless mindlessness. She’s tired of silly boys. Stale males. With gentle Johnny, Rebecca feels she ought to make a stand, to improve his sexual vocab. ‘Forgive me, Rebecca, I was joking.’ ‘I can’t bear boys saying that, using the word “twat”, it’s offensive.’ ‘Pussy?’ ‘Fuck off, Johnny.’ Johnny grabs Rebecca by the shoulder, trying desperately to slow her down.
