In a house in Alnwick, a breeze drifts through the open window of the living room, lightly ruffling the lace curtains. The late-afternoon sun washes the room with the easy warmth of the last days of summer.

On the coffee table, there’s a radio. It’s been left tuned to BBC Radio Two. The news crackles quietly into the air.

…the information leaked by an anonymous whistleblower alleges that illegal GRAIL operations occurred in Tasmania, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Canada…

Family photos beam in their frames from the faded floral walls. Crocheted quilts lie draped over a care-worn sofa. An armchair sits in the corner, laden with hand-sewn pillows.

…accusations include the illegitimate seizure of train lines, covert arson, unauthorised funding of military leaders…

The breeze blows through once more, coaxing the door to the hallway slightly further ajar. The radio presenter continues undeterred.

…evidence also indicates the systematic suppression of knowledge by GRAIL and the wider Intelligence Services…

The small hallway’s wooden shoe cabinet is overflowing. Two pairs of boots have elected to make their home elsewhere, a little ways along the carpet. Piled onto a deeply insufficient number of coat hooks is an extensive collection of coats. The two which have most recently been hung up teeter on the top layer—one yellow, one pale blue.

In the bottom of the pocket of the blue coat is a well-worn, handwritten note.

Frances,

You changed everything for me. You won’t remember the specifics of how, or why, or when. Neither will I. But just know that you were the first person to really see me. And despite what you saw, you were kind. Kinder than anyone has been to me for a long time.

Maybe this note is completely redundant. I hope it is. I hope that in the moment you’re reading this, we’re already both far beyond needing it.

You are the greatest friend I could ever have hoped to have.

With love,
Nassim

16/10/2011. Frances Hopkins was with Nassim Mahmoud at Barter Books, Alnwick.

A selfie of Frances and Nassim in the middle of an old-fashioned bookshop. Frances has her arm wrapped around them, and they both smile at the camera. Across the shelves and shelves of poetry and prose, there’s a toy train running on the miniature train track.

25/12/2011. Claire Hopkins posted to Frances Hopkins feed.

“Happy Christmas Xx Hope you all had a good one xx”

There’s two photos attached to the post. The first is of Frances, her brother Sam, her mam, and Nassim standing in front of a Christmas tree–all of them still in pyjamas. The multi-coloured Christmas tree lights are bright, none of the ornaments appear to match, and there’s so many presents under the tree. Frances is not fully back in place yet: the five-second-timer not long enough to run back between Nassim and Sam. She’s mid-laugh, beaming at the camera.

The second photo is of Frances, Sam, and Nassim sitting on the floor, each opening a Christmas present. There’s a light pink blur covering the bottom right corner of the photo–Frances’ mam being unaware her thumb was covering the lens. Frances, Sam, and Nassim laugh and chat together–unaware that they are being photographed.

11/02/2012. Frances Hopkins started a new job as Part Time Lecturer at Newcastle University.

23/04/2012. Frances Hopkins is with Wilhelmina Wunderin and The Listening Post Podcast.

“Tried out ghost hunting for the first time O-O was very scary. Check out the podcast episode my friend Wilhelmina made about our experience.”

12/06/2012. Frances Hopkins was with Sakiko Hoshino at Samsi Sushi Restaurant & Bar, Manchester.

“Had the best time with Sakiko today! Come back to Manchester and eat too much sushi with me again soon. And good luck with your lectureship :D”

Attached is a selfie of Frances and Sakiko in the middle of Manchester, smiling at the camera. They’re dressed in their summer clothes, and Frances still has her penguin clip in her hair. They are standing outside of a slightly-fancy looking sushi restaurant. The sun is shining brightly and Frances and Sakiko cheers the camera with their cold ciders.

21/03/2012. Frances Hopkins is with Nassim Mahmoud.

“♡”

There’s a photo of a beautiful, big townhouse in Alnwick. Ivy climbs up the side of the brick walls, and the windows have little planterboxes, perfect for flowers and herbs, under them. The door is a solid, slightly ornate oak, with a doormat reading “Welcome Home” underneath. Frances’ hand and Nassim’s hand are in shot, covering the house number on the door and holding two house keys with matching keychains.

Written by Katy N.