Meet the Characters

Tom Baines Retired parks keeper

Thirty-eight years of council parks, public planting and cemetery grounds. He can tell a dry pot by pushing one finger into it, and does, whatever the signs say. These days the word allotment sometimes goes missing and leaves him calling it the place with the shed — but his hands still know exactly what to do.

Margaret Baines His wife, fifty-two years

Keeps small white cards in her purse explaining that her husband might become confused. Has learned not to take things out of his hands unless they are hot, sharp or actively leaking. Asks the same question in the same place, because sometimes repetition isn’t loss. Sometimes it’s a path back into the day.

Shannon Buckley Centre manager, twenty-two years

Responsible for eighty staff, three acres of retail space, a café extension that was never properly signed off, and the emotional welfare of four ornamental carp. Owns the clipboard. Owns the warning tape. Has firm views on where the public may and may not stand.

Janine Patel Café manager, Ripe & Rooted

Remembers every regular’s order and has never once been surprised by what anyone chooses to complain about. Currently also covering Customer Services, because the person who should be on the desk went to find a delivery driver and has not come back.

Jake Seaton Moorfield staff

Young, keen, and armed with a notebook. Writing things down turns out to be a more useful skill than anyone expected.

Tharagon Temporary

Arrived through the paving beside Aquatic Plants in a great deal of battered armour. Has since been issued a staff badge, a mug and a job title that everyone insists is short-term.

Mottle Not on any inventory

Small. Mossy. Came through with the rest of it. Please do not feed.

It is Tuesday, and Tuesday is Moorfield. Read chapter one →