'Too much. too young'

June 1996 - the funeral was on a hot summer day.

We got lost on the way to the crematorium. Round and round loads of roundabouts.

By the time we got there the place was packed. I'd never seen a funeral so overflowing with people. But, then again, I'd never been to the funeral of someone who was only 34.

I can't remember what the minister said. Lots of things.

In June 1978 my friend Elaine and I had broken away from school and started our lives out in the world. Now it was a hot June day 18 years later and she was gone.

I felt sick.