Help

Roger Noons

 

a glass of Pinot Grigio

‘Do you know her, that woman over there?’

    ‘No,’ I said.

    ‘Why is she smiling at you then?’

    ‘Not me, must be someone …’ I turned, but behind me was a grey wall.

    ‘You do, don’t you?’ Allison accused.

    I shook my head and raised the glass to my lips.

    ‘She’s the one who came collecting for Help for Heroes. What did you give her?’

‘Why did you just blow a kiss to that man?’ my husband asked.

    I smiled in the direction of my action. ‘When I was collecting in Pear Tree Drive, he told me he was a pacifist. When I shook the tin, he told me to clear off. Slammed the door in my face. Let him explain things to his wife.’