Stan and the meringues

England

Source: Kathryn1000

Stan and Annie were clearing a big desk to make space to studygovernment

statistics.Despite this Annie was dressed as brightly as a mad

peacock on l s d. in turquoise cotton trousers and a teal blue

viscose

and polyester [with 5 percent elastane  V necked striped top

She chose the V neck was because she thought it made her look

slimmer but if that were so it wascontradicted, somewhat

paradoxically, by the clinging induced by the elastane in the

fabric.What a problem dressing is nowadays she murmured

Her bedtime reading was “Contradiction, Paradox,Woman and Society” by the

unknown,unseen yet internationallyfamous author Dr K. R. BraithwaiteParadox and contradiction are the route to understanding” was the lastsentence she had read before she fell asleep last night

Then she had dreamed she saw amouse eating a lion.No wonder she had

indigestion today”Shall I make the coffee” she said to Stan.

“No,dear.I’ll do it if you can get the graph paper sorted.”

Stan stood up and walked across the room with a dazed expression.

“I hope he’s not been trying self hypnosis again” she thought

quixotically.He returned with two large mugs of steaming hot

coffee.”Would you like a meringue” he enquired.

“I’d love one.”

“So would I,” he answered glumly.”But we have no cake at all.”

“I blame Tony Blair.”

“Why him?”

“Well,I have to blame someone,don’t I?”

“Why not blame yourself“

Stan began to sob and moan.

So Annie rang 999.”Can you send a paramedic.My friend needs a

meringue.” she said in a friendly tone.

“What do you think the N.H.S. is ,a cake shop?” the receptionist

replied assertively in ringing tones.

“Well,we older folk need cakes!”Annie cried.

“How old are you,” the lady said.

“Why is there some cut off point?” Annie retorted……..

“Yes,we only supply meringues to centenarians!” she was told.

“Well really,whatever next,” Annie cried in shock.

“I suppose they have to economise now and can no longer supply cakes

and ale to pensioners like they used to do.”

But we could send you some toasted mouse sandwiches,” she was

told.”Don’t bother,” she cried fortuitously.

The heat had made her makeup run and small rivers of turqouise,black

and blue were crossing her face giving it the appearance of a large

bruise.She wished she had followed the advice her mother had given

her,”When in doubt,leave it out“

.

Or,was it “when in doubt,say nowt”

or even “when glum ,keep mum

“I would have kept Mum,”she thought resentfully, “but the law won’t

let you once they die“.

“Why do we have so little freedom here in England?” she asked Stan

querulously.”I can’t tell you” he croaked mysteriously

“Why not? It’s forbidden by the Official Secrets Act.”

“After we finish the statistics on unemployment and mental health we could look

into Official Secrets,” he promised her mellifluously.

“Stan, you are so good.” she shouted gratefully.

Will you wash my new jeans?” he asked.

“Why can’t you do it?” she fretfully quizzed him

“I don’t want Mary to see them.”

“Gosh it’s 5pm .She’ll be back soon.”We’ve not got far today,

I expect we can make up for it tomorrow.”

Not wanting to contradict him she remained silent whilst he studied

her face like an a psychologist trying and failing to see meaning in

an ink blot.

Then the doorbell rang.It was Dave,the paramedic with a tray of mouse

sandwiches.What a surprise