‘GET yourself a haircut, love.’ His mother’s words echoed in Tadhg’s ears as he studied himself in the bathroom mirror. ‘It’s time.’ She had taken another day off work and stopped by for a cup of tea. As she spoke she had given him a sympathetic smile and a nod. As if she were attempting to usher him past a questionable period of his life. A tone she might have used when telling him to turn off the tv and study or to start applying for jobs. It was the tone that suggested she had waited silently, not passing judgment, until finally, she couldn’t wait any longer if they continued to be seen in public together. ‘It covers your eyes. You have such beautiful blue eyes.’