Chapter 2

Aftermath

Chapter 2

Aftermath

After the funeral, life in the Shawlands tenement quietened down. The initial flurry of police tape, door-to-door investigation and forensic scrutiny had given way to a steady stream of respectful neighbours and friends. A woman from the next street, whom Janine vaguely recognised from her Pilates class, had organised a candlelit vigil and crowds of local people turned up with flowers, tea lights and cards. They sang and wept, and Janine was surprised at how keenly she wanted to join in.

She was also surprised at how her own friendship group had responded to the situation. In the days following the tragedy she received lots of messages and voice notes offering moral support. Many of these described in emotional detail the shock felt by the sender - some of whom she only vaguely knew. Some of her closer friends ignored her altogether, as though proximity would somehow infect them with her trauma. Her parents’ reaction was true to form.