The last battle Today's my youngest her birthday, 18! I am glad I made it that far although, I don't think 18 means children are adults, ready to face and fight the world. There are so many things to learn and if it comes to it school does not prepare for that. Not a single word is spent on how to open a bank account, the costs of living, how to pay bills in time, the risk of bailiffs chasing you, contracts signed for 1 or even 40 years, or how to generate an income if you…
Not so hard was it? Does it taste? There's no reason to waste good food. She did not say a word it felt as if she hadn't heard what the couple in front of her said. Still, shocked? Nothing wrong with her, the nurse replied, as they asked her why Jane had more in common with a statue than a human being. How about a trip outside, Tom suggested to Brigit. Are we allowed? We can ask Doc. I heard Sam has a boat, we can sail away and let a fresh wind do the trick. Always inside…
Economic loss? How to... Home-made is the best right? But there are times it is the only thing one can do because it is not for sale what you have in mind or... too expensive. Could be it's an economic loss to you but not for me. **We're not crazy about gnomes.** Sometimes you see statues of gnomes standing with several in a garden. If they exist, they have never done a job for me. Rien Poortvliet, who made a great book with beautiful drawings about the life and work of…
No sign of intelligence Sam doesn't like chatting and making phone calls is a big no. It's a miracle he agreed to invite us for the planned trip. They should arrive any minute, he declared, sinking on a chair in the corner from where he could see the street. Busses are filthy they smell. The crumbs remain everywhere. I don't think I can enter it and feel relaxed. What if someone touches my hair while I sit and he gets in? Dusty Jane please, Tom said, as he rolled his eyes.…
Deviation Luc didn't seem to be too happy. It was clear to me why he acted the way he did. He felt the need to spread it thick, which wasn't appreciated by the rest. Do you mind? Why don't you give your best to share for a change, Brigit said. She felt upset about Luc's intolerance and 'unfair' was the number one word in her dictionary. Take a look at yourself! As if you are ever short on anything, or have ever been! I spy, I spy with my little eye..., he raised his hand and…
Pet lion? Shall we celebrate tomorrow, I asked. There are presents to unwrap although our birthdays are over. My daughter agreed, that for the next 4 days (should say nights) she's not working. If you work at night you sleep at daytime. She said she doesn't think she can sleep in my bed because there's way more noise from the traffic passing by. So far it doesn't keep me out of my sleep. The only person who does is the joyrider who starts his fun around 2 a.m. It must be a…
High volume Any idea how it feels to be me? Empathy... It's not something I can count on. Too busy, not inquisitive, different from the other peeps, how society looks at me, wants me to be. This crowded loud place is not different from the world outside. Extroverts, narcissists, psychopaths, screaming for attention. They all demand to be noticed, be heard, comforted, seen. It's hard to remain sane in a place where there is never a moment of silence. The banging at walls…
No need We have four seasons here where I live, although if you ask me there are only three. There is something like summer unless it's more like Autumn or Spring. Summer means rainy days l, just like Autumn and Spring and once it's bedtime it stops raining for a short time or not. By now it's raining for at least 3 days and nights. It should be Autumn now (starts September 21st according to human beings) but if it comes to Mom Nature she prefers different rhythms. It's fine…
mud pie There's no need to exaggerate plus it's a bit late don't you agree? I don't see what you mean, Luc said, all I did was show I cared. Why is that such a big deal? She could go if she didn't like me. She was free to go, I asked. How about those many times she tried? You weren't exactly pleased. While you treated the dog on a bone you smashed her brain as soon as she grabbed the doorknob... A big log described in detail what he did, how much he 'cared' and what would…
Stake through the heart It is gray and chilly outside. From one day to the next, summer is over. After days and nights of rain, Father Winter is in the country. It seems there are no active people left. The streets are empty, the shops close early and everyone is tired. Like a bunch of collapsed plum puddings, we sit together more out of habit than sense. The energy is missing. I don't feel any better despite the new multivitamin pills I'm taking. Those pills are a trial…
Pure fun I'm tired, tired and all I want is to sleep. What do you think, doc, shouldn't we humans hibernate just like our distant ancestors? I cannot deny that the entire group looks exhausted although, none of us have been really active. My stomach hurts, Birgit complains, do I really have to join this session? How bad is it, I ask. Birgit is not the type to complain about aches and pains. I haven't seen her eating in the last few days and I don't remember seeing her in the…
No referral Are you a witch, a servant of Satan? Luc's look did not bode well, the way he spoke reminded me of the snake in paradise who spoke to Eve, although that conversation was probably better than what I had with Luc. He was clearly annoyed because I had hidden the letter he wanted to leave behind in a book. I didn't care that he was angry and that made him furious. He was used to manipulating everyone. Luc's will was law and he believed he was always right. As he…
Memory chip Where is Luc, Tom wants to know. Where is Brigit, Jane asks as she hands him a cup of tea. Brigit is sick, blocked bowel or something. Luc isn't joining us anymore, Sam interrupts. Can I have a cup of tea too, please? The group is complete without Luc but without Brigit, it feels ... Both Jane and Sam suddenly seem a lot more talkative. I hope she isn't in too much pain, Jane says. Is she still on the 6th floor? Jane inquiring about Brigit is something new.…
The bus is late We have a long journey ahead of us. In order not to miss the bus, we arrive two hours earlier. Killing time at the airport isn't really a punishment. We can sit, there is a free toilet nearby and we have food and drinks for the road. Next to me are two elderly ladies wearing face masks. Are there still people who wear something like that? According to my youngest, this is very common in some countries. Also useful to cover up pimples, scars, an ugly skin or…
Bleak outlook My eldest asked if I had seen the shower of stars. Before that, she had set the alarm and got up at night to watch it with the children. Starry shower? I don't know anything and honestly, watching it isn't worth interrupting my sleep. Did you make a lot of wishes, I asked. She looked at me somewhat sheepishly. So the answer will probably be no. No wishes are made because of a shower of falling rocks, perhaps if only there had been one. Strange how a star is…
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