Paul Edwards

Life Beyond the Crush Paul Edwards

In the summer of 1988 twenty-two year old John Bostock, better known as 'Boss', returns to Liverpool from his travels with many tales to tell to friends Carl and Legger. Boss has spent four months in the U. S. A. courtesy of the 'Camp America' programme. He has gained great life experience. The greatest experience of all proves to be his encounter with Annie Haier, a young, Jewish American and fellow counsellor. The relationship begins as a friendship but develops into a deep and passionate love affair. The couple decide to plan their future together despite the natural barrier of the Atlantic Ocean. In April 1989 Boss and Legger attend the semi-final of the F. A. cup at Hillsborough. Like thousands of others they have a traumatic experience. Life is never the same again. Boss eventually suffers from P. T. S. D. and opts for counselling at the Hillsborough Centre in Liverpool. He meets fellow survivors who are racked with guilt and full of anger and begins the long climb back to happiness. In June 1990 Boss returns to the U. S. A. where it all began, to seek an emotional reunion with Annie, the love of his life.