Chapter 1
It was called the Murphy Quill Programme but over the years it had become shortened to the Quill Program. A young man called Charlie Evans was one of its greatest ambassadors and he was a well-known figure both on regular and social media channels. At twenty-one he was young to be married and it was known that his wife was a young Indian girl called Sharu who was often on media herself because of her love for climbing. It was also known that Charlie’s brother-in-law Chandri played cricket for the Indian national team.
The psychologist who was meeting Daniel and Valerie Murray was also a relatively young man and he had just mentioned the name of Charlie Evans and the Quill Program as soon as Daniel Murray had finished outlining the extent of his son’s problem with social media.
“It’s not even ten years in existence,” he was explaining, “but it’s been tremendously successful.”
“That’s encouraging,” Valerie Murray said, speaking up for the first time, “because to be honest with you we’re at the end of our tether.”
“It’s that bad?” Quinn asked sympathetically, the name badge on his walnut desk showing his full name: Dr John W. Quinn. PsyD. The desk was littered with files and paperwork and a reading lamp. A heavy paperweight lay near the lamp and Quinn kept handling it and squeezing it. He caught the light grey eyes of Daniel Murray and his cadaverous features tightened in a grim smile. “Helps build the muscle of the forearms back up,” he explained. “Broke my arm a few months ago.”
Daniel Murray nodded in understanding. He was a Dubliner, in his late thirties with a receding hairline and a thin, watchful face. His wife was more youthful, with an oval inquisitive face and shoulder length blonde hair.
“Sport?” Murray asked.
“Basketball,” Quinn confirmed. “Does Andy play any sport?”
“None whatsoever,” Daniel replied. “We’ve tried everything with him. Swimming, Gaelic football, hurling, soccer even. He didn’t bite.”
Quinn shook his head. “That’s not good.”
Daniel Murray nodded in agreement. “I hate to say it about my own son, but he’s become a nerd almost.” He looked towards Valerie for assurance and she nodded in agreement.
“He’s a bad role model for our younger children and we’re afraid they’re going to turn out the same way. We’re at our wit’s end.” There was despair in her voice.
“You’ll need to examine the brochure,” the psychologist added sympathetically. ” Decide on a country, and then insist that he go. It’s not forever, just a year. He’ll come back a different boy. A man, perhaps? May I offer some advice?”
“Shoot,” Daniel Murray said.
“Pick a country with bad WIFI. It might help break his addiction.”
“Sounds sensible,” Daniel interjected.Start writing here…
