Cry Baby

In the summer of 1996, a fateful day unfolds as two boys, drawn by adventure, abandon the familiar sounds of the playground for the mystery of the woods. The excitement is palpable, but as they dart through the greenery, tragedy strikes and only one of them returns home. The haunting silence left in the boy’s absence lingers heavily in the air, raising questions that will echo for years to come.

The incident ripples through the community, transforming carefree summer days into a tense atmosphere thick with fear and speculation. Families grapple with the loss, and friendships are tested under the weight of unspoken secrets and unresolved guilt. The shadow of that day looms large as the boys' families each cope differently, revealing deep fractures in their relationships and the impact of unsolved grief.

As time passes, the remaining boy must navigate a world altered forever by that single event, grappling with feelings of survivor’s guilt and a desire for answers. He finds himself caught between childhood innocence and the stark reality of a dark and unforgiving world. With each step he takes into adulthood, he is forced to confront the past and the secrets that linger in the woods.

Mark Billingham weaves a poignant story of loss, the quest for truth, and the complexities of growing up in a world where tragic events shape lives. Through vivid characters and evocative storytelling, he captures the essence of that summer and the transformation it brings, offering a compelling exploration of friendship, memory, and the haunting legacy of childhood trauma.