Summary

“Pride and Joy” by Philippa East tells the story of Mrs Jacks and her 48-year-old son Billy, who has a developmental disorder. They are driving towards Rosie’s Diner, where they always stop on Billy’s birthday. Mrs Jacks, who is old and ill, is happy to see that only two other guests are in the café, a fat man together with his wife. The waitress, Meg, comes to take their order and she immediately takes to Billy, saying that she also has a cousin with a similar disorder.

While her son eats, Mrs Jacks thin...