MILDLY BITTER
Author's note - I suspect being British or appreciating how Brits behave when the weather suddenly improves as summer pays its annual fleeting visit would help your understanding here. Knowing something about British roads and pubs would also be an asset.
‘Won’t be long.’
He squeezes her arm before leaving. Which way will be
quickest? He isn’t familiar with the area so he’s not sure what to do. So he
watches for a moment. They seem to know where they’re going. I’ll follow them. Decisive.
Confident. Assured. He’ll be there and back in no time. Good plan!
Two minutes pass. Progress has been minimal. Is following
others such a great idea? From where he is now, maybe the blind are leading the
blind. He isn’t moving, this much is painfully obvious. The others are just in
front of him, similarly immobile.
People are behind him, blocking his exit. He’s stuck. Nothing
he can do. He looks up at the sky for wont of something to occupy his precious
time. Solid blue. It explains why so many people are around. This doesn’t
happen very often. Everyone wants to take advantage when it does.
Understandable in this changeable climate.
What is that kid doing? He watches from a distance as a boy
in shorts opens a car door and exits the thankfully stationary vehicle. Complete
madness. Surely his parents know what he’s just done? Why aren’t they shouting
at him to get back in the car? Children and cars: a potentially
life-threatening combination. Everyone knows that. Should he do something?
The queue moves forward suddenly, interrupting his
thought process. Worries about the well-being of the kid are immediately
forgotten as he progresses a couple of yards before stopping again. Now he can
see what’s causing the blockage. He’s nearer to it than he expected it to be,
which he takes as a good sign. More importantly, beyond the blockage it seems
clear. Maybe this delay is beginning to dissipate. His mood improves.
It’s getting hotter. How can it be at this time of day?
He looks at his watch to make sure. 6pm. If anything, the temperature should be
starting to go down now. Is this another
example of the effects of global warming? He surveys the scene. Everyone he
sees appears hot and bothered, so it’s not just him. Somehow, it makes him feel better.
Sorry mate, not a chance. Someone is trying to cut him up.
Cheeky bastard! He closes the gap between himself and the person in front to
reinforce temporary ownership of the space he currently occupies. As he does
so, the queue moves forward again. He manages to keep the gap as small as he
can. The interloper backs off, defeated. Another couple of yards nearer to the
goal and drama averted.
There’s an argument in progress. He thinks he can hear
raised voices despite everything. The guy he thwarted moments ago is trying it
on with someone behind him. Sounds as though he’s not having any success.
Serves him right!
Another look at the watch. It’s ten minutes since he left
her. At this rate, he won’t get back anytime soon. He hopes she’s OK. The queue
begins to move. Then it stops. Then it moves again. Then it stops again. Why is
this happening? He cranes his neck in search of an explanation. Nothing obvious
to be seen, but he’s getting closer to the root of the problem.
Sirens. Two emergency vehicles go past at walking pace. Not
possible for them to go quicker because of the rush hour traffic. Their
flashing lights aren’t having the desired effect. The wailing noises change
tone as they continue past him. Obviously, they aren’t stopping here. Despite
this, he hopes they manage to resolve whatever it is they found it necessary to
put on sirens for. Some situations are much worse than others. Keep
perspective.
The queue moves forwards again. The end is in sight! This
hold-up is making him twitchy. All his petty prejudices are coming to the fore.
Why do drivers feel the need to play music at such high volume with their car
windows open when the sun shines? And why is the music always so bloody awful?
He can hear the incessant basslines thumping out from yards away. Total
ignorance or massive arrogance. Either way, completely unnecessary.
The queue suddenly and miraculously clears. That’s more
like it! He reaches ground zero.
‘A large G & T and a pint of bitter shandy please,’
he says. ‘Thought I’d never get to the bar.’
The server smiles. ‘Extra staff have just started. Sorry
you had to wait so long.’
He walks back towards the outside table with the drinks.
That kid is still playing in the carpark. The adjacent road remains busy but
none of the vehicles are blasting music out through their windows now. Good.
He reaches his destination and flops down in the
uncomfortable metal chair. ‘Cheers!’
‘Where’s the ice?’ she asks. ‘I did tell you
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