The Debutantes, or The Cynicism of Old Age.

This is Den and Anna, a (very) young couple in love, off to their Debutante Ball, little kids gone wild in the Big People's dressing up box.
I must declare an interest, as Anna is my pseudo-neice, a child I have known, and seen grow, since nappyhood.
Both have just completed their Leaving Certificate, the cruellest torture known to Irishhood, including the Great Famine.
They are also, in equal parts, the Future of Our Country, and the most perfect example of Mulhalls Theory of Reactionary Evolution.
Annas parents are cracked hoors, capable of anything except accepting middle age in an acceptable manner. Dens parents I dont know, so I cant comment.
Annas Da spent many years getting by on his good looks, long hair, ability to busk in any dive in Greater Europe, and I love him more than I can say. And her Mum is a gem, a power for good (just ask anyone in the ISPCC)
I just love the look of expectation in their eyes, the naive certainty that everything will work out "just so", and I truly hope that it does And I hope to catch a glimpse of that indefinable ping in every child I chronicle.
Anna plans to be a schoolteacher, Den, an actuary. Rock and roll.