Stephanie Cole reads a short story by Penelope Lively.

The 86-year-old Pauline requires a little help with daily tasks. Her teenaged care assistant, Cally, is employed to take her shopping. Their easy routine stutters when, out of the blue, Pauline reveals a secret about her past.

First in a series of stories in which writers consider the theme of age and ageing. The series title, Above Ground, is inspired by a quote from Carol Shields novel The Stone Diaries: "Here's to another year and let's hope it's above ground."


Read by Stephanie Cole
Written by Penelope Lively
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Show less