one hundred three. [Multiples of Eight.]
Stephen knows that eights are unlucky. He remembers being eight years old, hospitals and doctors and a single moment of triumph watching the smoothness of his skull emerging from under his hair and it was perfect [until the razor slipped]. Sixteen is twice eight, another year of hospitals, for his mother this time, but sixteen at least had a happy ending. Seventeen has been perfect because this is the year he finished at St Doms and met Mallorie and bought his Vespa. Seventeen, of course, cannot last. The eight in eighteen is ominous and he is less-than-excited for his upcoming birthday.