"The Apple Core" is a novel about relationships, and this, Part 1, "The Core" is where it begins (though it stands as a short story on its own). Self-styled hippy Jenny Trent escapes her loneliness when she meets and consolidates her relationship with fellow art student Michael Galloway. They have a small company of College friends, with whom they socialize and entertain. It is set in South London at an Art School by the name of 'Shortlands', at the turn of the sixties and seventies (decades). Unsure how attracted to him she is at first, she soon realizes a need and yearning that brings them together and plants the seeds of a flourishing and meaningful adherent connection... It's set in a time when things were opening to new possibilities, with optimism; though where young people were critical of injustices, war and old prejudices and status. Openness, directness, belonging and understanding, plant them in their life-bound growth that comes from a discarded apple core. There is a rapid advance of events and an expanded dimension, which demonstrates the intensity, joy and beauty within their relationship. Spirituality is portrayed by materializing emotion, feelings and forces that exist beyond ordinary physical normality and takes on forms akin to ESP. However, what they have between them is tenderness and caring, simplicity and sincerity. The author, Martin P Rouse, explores totally, the intimate, physical and emotional coming together of a woman and a man. It is intended that this should be enjoyed and upon which, it should be reflected.