You see honey

February 2003

'You see honey, because I didn't do very well at school, my father ask me to leave when I am only sixteen. But I cannot get the kob when I am so young, so my father speaks to his friend who works for the Government. And they get my age changed on my ID so that I can get the job. My father says I must work, if I cannot go to school. So you see, thet is not my real date of birth'

This didn't seem possible. 'That's terrible' I said, 'what happens when it is time to retire?'

She didn't understand the question, so I chose not to persue it. 'I just think it will cause you all sorts of problems in the furure'

'No honey. No problem at all. I will never tell anyone. You mustn't tell anyone too. Promise me honey'
'Who would I tell?'

At that point the doctor called her, and we went back into the surgery. The doctor could find nothing wrong with her, but gave her some medicine anyway. 'Keep my mother happy' said Maggie, by way of an explanation.

I didn't speak as we headed back to the hotel, her story made me feel uneasy, although I couldn't have said why. I thought I would persue it another time.

It was late again, by the time we got into bed, but fortunately Maggie seemed very keen to make love. And so the day ended well.

The next morning (Friday) we were up very early, and by 9 oclock were sat on a rather luxurious coach heading toward the Chinese border.