She stood by the window looking at the chimneys smoking – a sound – traffic going by. Where had her life gone? – her body ached.
Another sound – scream – who has hurt?
Not daring to go and see. Police sirens – a knock at the door – not hers but a little way down the cul-de-sac. Familiar cars – people returning home from work.
And the rain fell down on the window. Pitter patter. She liked the sound of the rain – somehow it was comforting and she fell asleep.
Morning came and she set out to town thinking whether to catch the bus. She could never remember which bus so she set out walking – it rained again – Pitter patter.
There wasn’t a soul she knew – all her friends had died.
Suddenly a tall man spoke to her – Ruby? He said and she answered – Yes, I’m Ruby.
The tall man said I knew you when you were in your teens – we went to the same school! Good God – said Ruby – You’re Roger aren’t you?
He said let’s have coffee and reminisce. So they did.
I can remember you in Chemistry or Latin – oh, and a bit of Physics.
Ruby thought to herself – how nice this is. And more than a coincidence?
Did you marry? - Have a family? No, said Ruby.
Roger said he’d married twice. Shall we meet up for lunch said Roger?
Ruby smiled – something she hadn’t done in a long while.
That would be lovely she said. They arranged the following Saturday.
A reason to get out some clothes fit for a chemistry lesson, with a little bit of pszzazz.
I’m not an old woman she thought. I’m 17 again – this is fun!
They decided on the Royal Oak somewhere they used to frequent when they shouldn’t have – only a shandy in those days and definitely no cigarettes!
Saturday soon came round and they both smiled – something Roger hadn’t done for a long time wither. Roger ordered the drinks and they both decided on the veal with salad and French fries.
Do you remember copper sulphate? – muddled with me doing Art as well? – a bit of blue lichen on the trees, chirped Ruby.
Memories are made of this.
‘To be continued’