Tea time

'Why did you resign No 6?'

I look into the watery blue eyes and settle my gaze on the ridiculous moustache. There's something resembling snot caught up in the hair. I smile at my inquisitor.

'The collar No 3 - tighten it - do your job properly -it's not a necklace'.

'Ah, that looks better'.The bulbous smirking face of No 2 bears down on me and wish I could spit at him. Instead I just sit impassive, determined not to let them see how much I hurt.    

'Come now  No 6 this isn't a tea party you know. Although you have given me an idea'.  The big man lowered his greasy head towards the microphone. 'This is No 2. Bring us tea and scones at the double'.

'You've forgotten the cream and jam' I added through clenched teeth.

'Look at that No 3. He can speak. I don't think you're doing your job properly'.

'I don't think we ought to tighten any more Sir.....'

'Quiet. I'm the one in charge. One more notch'.

The blackness has become a screen.  Images appear. My mother holding my hand walking down Weston Pier.  And there's my sister Amy in a pram. What's that.....a dog...it's jumping up, rocking the pram...dear God no......I'm back on the pier and the planks are all wonky, we're going to fall....Dong, Dong......It's a clock chiming..getting louder....

'Ah No 6.  Back in the land of the living.  One sugar or two?'

Slowly my eyes focus on the ordinary scene.  I am sitting at a round table covered in a red gingham cloth. It is laden with a tea tray, silver teapot, delicate china cups, sugar bowl, tiny plates, silver teaspoons and a tiered cake stand.  I touch my neck and find that it's bare.  I'm no longer in the hospital room but in the cafe.  Through the window I see people walking past, greeting their friends, open taxi cabs weaving their way dangerously through the crowds of people. A cuckoo sings loudly as the clock hits the hour. Another day in the village.

'One sugar, no milk. I thought you knew everything about me No 2'.

'Just making sure dear boy. No 3 did get a big worried about you back there. Eclair anyone?'