tales from an ordinary world

2002-11-21

Succumb to a cold. Cotton wool in my head, but I can't stay in bed. I'm here but not there, but I lunch, plan, discuss, meet, order. I feel fairly calm, all things considered. When it's time to go, the sun's out but only in an observatory manner. Pacing myself against the people walking to the station. Dodging early evening shoppers. Sitting at a new favourite cafe, out on the street amongst white and orange traffic barriers - just like Sunday, but this time I'm the only one here. Rejoin the tramming hordes, each taking their turn to stare nervously up the line every few minutes. Once we're on board they drain off fairly soon, all along the highway. I watch colour schemes (especially socks, today) and reading matter, with CD player controls in one hand, handrail in the other.

Lemon juice cordial and soda water, she looks up behind her glasses and smiles hello as I enter the bottle shop, just like all those other times. I can never remember the price, even now.

A couple of couples are Expecting. Congratulations. Now begins the time of unfathomable changes for you all. Good luck!