As he stepped into the police Land Rover, the harsh wind whipped around him, feeling like a knife against his skin. Gripping the steering wheel firmly, he navigated the winding road away from the village, reflecting on his experiences as a police officer in Lochdubh. The weather mirrored the discomfort in his thoughts, particularly concerning Mrs. Gallagher, whose resentment he had always accepted without question.

This realization sparked a deeper contemplation about the dynamics of human emotions and relationships in his life. Despite being part of the community for some time, he recognized that the complexity of Mrs. Gallagher's bitterness, a constant element in his routine, warranted a reflection he had not allowed himself before.