" -"

My head hurts.
My vision it’s well: Blur...
Heck no it’s not one of those things that needs a new pair of spectacles.

I feel the strain.
I’ve placed it!!
It’s my forehead that’s hurting.

She’s a wily old thing isn’t she?
She knows just how to get her way.
- As if a concentrated effort to wearing me down.
She’s getting better at this.

The pain, it’s more regular now-a-days.

I can’t see clearly.
From here there seems like there’s very little today than to have to think of tomorrow.
I know why. But…

She’s been a persuasive teacher.
And I think I’ve learnt well.
It’s who she wants me to be.
She told me it was for my own good.
‘It’s a bad world out there you know'

That’s just that way it’s got to be.


Well I guess at least someone’s happy with the way I turned out.

PAUSE.

‘I’ve baked him a special meal.’
(Gush). ‘He’s never been too old for mashed potatoes.
The soufflé looks just done.
A twist of chocolate. Yes! It’s perfect!’

The bed lay strewn with flowers.
Scented candles.
Bubbly on ice.
…Blue lace.
‘(He said nothing looked better.)’

She catches a glimpse in the mirror.
‘…I hope I don’t look over done.’

It’s past 6 now.
‘He should be home soon…’

But suddenly an eerie darkness sets in.
‘… It’s summer for Godsake!’

He’s late. ‘Again…’
10 years too late.
And yet every detail is an etched memory.

A car engine rumbles in the distance.
‘I better Go!
That must be him.’

Pause.

‘…I hope I don’t look over done.’