Some moments just seem to grab at the eyes and mind. The personality or passion on show, or the loud atmosphere aurrounding makes an imprint on both retina and hippocampus. Here are a few such moments;

It's July in Melbourne and a cold, damp night. The Italian restaurant blasts heat onto the street like a wood-fired oven. Inside, it's dark and relatively empty. The woman sits in the corner, alone, pushing her pasta around in small circles. One hand massages her temple. Her makeup is smudged and her bottom lip trembles as she quietly cries.

The beach is alive. Surfers, walkers, dogs. A couple, late 50's, lean back on the strings of a fabulous red and gold kite. Their faces beam broad toothy smiles at each other. My friend comments on the beautiful kite. They thank him and say they've been doing this once a month for many years. The kite was a wedding present.

She's young and a bit scared. It's Sunday afternoon and she wants the Morning After Pill. The bloke with her is in his forties, temples greying and fit looking. They're both in running gear and joggers. As she starts to answer questions, her voice trembles and she cries, overwhelmed. He quietly says, "I'll leave you to it" and wanders into the store. She's terrified, but okay and calms down; it was her first time. He pays for the medication and buys a dozen condoms too. "Make sure you use these next time, Daughter", he says caringly. "Thanks Dad," she blushes.