the getaway driver

Mask? check, gloves? check, Anniemay still in bed? check.  It’s about 7.30 when I make my getaway

I have an appointment in the city centre this morning.  So I’m in the car.  On my own.  It’s vaguely scary and at the same time, liberating.  It’s been about 3 months since I’ve been allowed out this far on my own.

I underestimate the journey time.  It takes just over 10 minutes to get from home to CMK.  The second thing I notice (the lack of traffic being the first) is the state of the verges and central reservations.  The grass is knee-deep.  The third thing is the lack of people.  Apart from the rough sleepers.  I guess they don’t count.

It’s about 9 o’clock by the time I get home.  The car park is full - the builders have returned.  As I make my way back to the house I notice Anniemay hanging out the washing.  It’s like nothing’s changed.  But it has.