Abernethy
I long to be there everyday, especially in current circumstances. It is a place in Scotland which I would visit regulary with my family. For the first time last year I visited with friends, and it was special. The reflections on the river, the feel of the fresh air, cold as it runs through my throat, and the freedom to explore. It's a world away from where I am now and, although part of me wants to return, another part does not want to taint the beautiful image I go to in my mind.
But today, as I write this, I checked out the place on GoogleMaps. I had the name of the site confused. But, hey, it sounds cool.
Social Cupcaking
Tavistock Road overflows with people, more people than live on the street. Mr and Mrs Hayes have set up games of hoopla, coconut toss and races down the road. Mrs Strawn has baked more shortbreads than Maggie could count.
She hesitates but with a smile from Mum makes her way out. Her cupcakes have smiles on, drawn on with too much icing.
She holds out the box and says her rehearsed line, “Happy end of quarantine!”
Mx Bradwell and Ms Reydon take them with warm smiles, the same response most give her until only 5 cupcakes remain.
She reaches a small group with Mr Pritchard, the Mallory brothers and Miss Finch. Mr Pritchard looks at the box. The cupcakes are clustered together, their icing beginning to melt.
“Oh no, can’t take those,” he says. “Social distancing, remember? Those cupcakes are just too close.”
Her smile wavers, as do the other neighbours.
Yes, we do remember.
Toilet Roll
I see it, perfectly wrapped in unpunctured plastic. I want to feel its silky soft insides between my fingertips, pulling it apart and wiping it against my skin. Superior to off-brand counterparts.
There’s another.
She’s closer. Her wide eyes glance from me to it. She lurches, but I’m faster.
I ram my trolley into hers.
I grab the toilet roll and run.