I trudge downstairs still half asleep, what have we here? There lying on the mat I see an envelope, not just any envelope, no this was a golden embossed envelope. How posh! Excitement fills me as I make my way to the kitchen, I will open this letter after I have had a coffee.
As I sit at the table drinking my coffee I start to slide open the letter, written on black A4 sized paper, typed in gold are the words: you are cordially invited to Hades, please dress lightly. This is an invitation you cannot ignore, FOR YOUR OWN GOOD. We require your presence for a chat around the fire, until then, good health.
Oh forsooth! Tis Friday and lo the burden of rent befallest upon me. I venture forth in pursuit of fortune’s favour, alas to no avail.
I sensed that fortune’s fair maiden hath cast her gaze upon mine humbled self. But alas I have been deceived and now the bitter taste of despair lingers within.
Gone are the coins, spent in reckless wager, as rent slips through my grasp, vanishing like morning mist. Mine heart aches and it’s a remedy I seek.
I quaff to cloud my woes. Forsooth! I have frittered away all my dwellings due and all else. A fools game unkindly embracing me.
Now I shall drown my sorrows in the cups embrace, drinking until oblivion claims me as his own.
I guess I put him on the spot Told me to trust him I could not I followed him a mile or two Then froze as she came into view
They walked together hand in hand This man I do not understand I stand and try to clear my head I walk home and climb into bed
Later on when I hear the key And think of his dishonesty One chance was all he should have got As Leopards never change their spots
Tonight? are you sure? asked Lance. Yes of course I told you, Mum said to invite you. ok, I’m going home to get ready. Alright, said Josie, don’t be late we’ll meet up at the coffee shop, ok see you there, said Lance as he gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
Lance smiled at Josie as they made their way up the big stone steps leading to the front door. Josie introduced Lance to her parents, who both welcomed him in with a warm smile.
A little later as Dinner was served, they all sat around the table. Well isn’t this nice, Laura said, as she smiled a little over enthusiastically. Everybody helped themselves, as Laura’s Mother asked Lance about himself. As they ate Lance noticed that Laura’s parents were not interacting with each other, he thought maybe it was just his imagination.
Laura got up to clear the table for Desert, Frank got up as well, they both walked into the kitchen, after a while, came the sound of utensils crashing to the floor, Josie and Lance both Jumped, just then, Laura and Frank returned carrying Desert, Laura smiled, sorry something dropped, then she looked and glared in Franks direction, he didn’t notice.
As Frank and Laura took their seats, Lance Looked sideways at Josie, she was blushing bright red, Laura served up Apple Pie and Custard, Lance’s favourite, she shoved a plate in Franks Direction. Franks face contorted with the look of anger.
Josie shifted in her seat, Lance didn’t know where to look, this was getting really uncomfortable, his heart went out to Josie who sat with her head bowed down, she did not eat a single bite of her pie, instead she said, Mum, Dad, we have to be somewhere.
Josie’s dad tried to straighten his Face, Ok,Darling, sorry you couldn’t stay, So nice to meet you Lance, Lance smiled and shook Franks hand, then he said goodbye to Laura and made a quick exit.
Sifting through the pile of envelopes Michael made his way through them. Opening them one by one, he smiled. A Very Happy Birthday To You , one said, there was a picture of a pile of presents on the front. He opened the next one from Aunty June, with a voucher inside, how sweet thought Michael.
He opened one from Mum and Dad Containing a sum of Money, he stood the card up on the desk and put the Money into his pocket, as he looked down on the desk filled with unopened letters, he saw a bright blue one, he decided to open that one first.
His smile slowly faded as he read, he could hardly believe it. This letter was from Doug, a work colleague, he was really venting. Doug clearly didn’t seem to mind using foul language in this letter, Doug it appears was blaming him for being passed over at work, the job promotion it seemed, had Doug’s name on it, he had clearly been there far longer than Michael.
The Company they worked for had seen Michaels talents and sidelined Doug. Doug was spitting feathers.
What did Doug mean by getting even?? How could he be blamed for something that he had no control over? Well Doug would have to deal with it. Michael let out a long sigh and continued going through his cards, nothing was going to spoil his day, he would deal with Doug in the morning.
Sally walked into the Cancer ward heading in to see her favourite patient, this was something she done out of love, she had come to really care about this lovely young man, she knew this wasn’t part of her duties, but visiting him during her breaks uplifted her day as well as his. Hello Bob, how are you doing today? let me fluff up your pillows, Bob tried to smile at her, she wanted to bring a little happiness and comfort to him.
Bob loved the caring nature of Sally, she knew that he didn’t get any visitors and she certainly compensated for that, he knew she had her own life to lead outside of this hospital, but that didn’t stop her from coming to visit him during and after hours. She sat with him for a while, then checking he was comfortable, she left him to get on with her duties, I’ll pop in on you in the morning Bob, she said and went on about her duties.
The next morning bright and early Sally went in to check on Bob, she had some news she was dying to share with him, but as she got to his bedside she noticed it was empty, she turned to walk away when she saw a letter, she knew she shouldn’t have but curiosity got the better of her, as she read the letter, her mouth fell open, Bob had written a letter leaving all his considerable Estate to her, he had no other relative he wrote and he also added that she had made his life so much happier.
She decided to tell him that she couldn’t possibly accept such a huge gift, but where was he? she saw one of the nurses walking towards her, is Bob in X-ray I came to see him and his bed is empty, oh Sally I’m so sorry, the other nurse said, he passed away last night, Sally was heartbroken this lovely man who she had come to see as family had gone on to a better place, leaving her all his worldly goods, a silent tear fell from her eyes.
A few months after the funeral Sally was sitting at home reflecting on the ways her life had changed for the better since finding the letter containing Bobs wishes. she smiled as she looked around her new home. Bobs picture took priority on the huge living room wall, she loved listening to the waves lapping against the shore, the smell of fresh roses as she walked up the pathway towards the front door, she was home, her home, her family home.
He tried to escape, running like his life depended on it, feeling a sense of foreboding he continued to run, he ran until he reached a road. he saw a car approaching, raising his thumb he tried to hitch a lift, the car slowed down, he was in luck, he told them his destination, no problem jump in, he got in the backseat of the car feeling a sense of relief at last, he breathed. Sinking into the backseat of the car, he let the chair take the fullness of his weight, the smell of fresh leather filled his nostrils, he was free. With thoughts of Hannah pervading his mind an overwhelming tiredness enveloped him, he succumbed to these feelings and descended into a deep and restful sleep.
Hannah: Hannah was feeling the results of a sleepless anxious filled night, she was worried about Graham, where could he be ? why had he not called ? trying to keep the rising sense of dread to the back of her mind , Hannah made her way to the kitchen, she needed a cup of coffee to keep her mind alert.
