Where's My Esther?

The story surrounds an old man talking to himself while he waits for his wife.

I wonder why this lovely policewoman wants to talk to me, I’m sure I’ve not done anything wrong. I must say she’s very pretty, but so young. They always say that when you start to notice that policemen are looking younger it’s a sure sign you’re getting older.

 

“Excuse me sir, are you OK?”

 

What a strange question. Of course I’m OK, why shouldn’t I be? My gout is playing up a bit, but I’m sure she can’t be referring to that. What would a woman her age know about gout? I suppose she’s just being polite.

 

“Can you hear me sir? I was asking if everything is alright?”

 

She’s at it again, more strange questions. I wonder why she's started talking so slowly and in a raised voice? That’s the trouble with youngsters these days, too quick to make assumptions. Just because I’m a bit older than her she seems to think I’m stone deaf. What’s she doing now? Why is she holding my hand? Mind you I’m not complaining, it’s a long time since a pretty young girl held my hand. I hope Esther doesn’t catch us doing this.

 

“Why don’t you sit down here sir, I’m sure you'll be more comfortable and maybe we can have a little chat. Do you want to tell me your name?”

 

Well this is a turn up for the books. Sitting on a park bench being chatted up by a pretty young lady. Mind you she’s being a bit forward. Before we know what’s happening she’ll be asking me where I live and then wanting to go to the pictures or something. I’m flattered, naturally, but I think I might be a little bit too old for her and then of course there’s Esther. That reminds me, I wonder where she’s got to?

 

“Look sir I can’t help you if you wont speak to me. Are you supposed to be meeting someone?”

 

Now might be a good time to tell her about Esther, let her down gently before she builds her hopes up too much. Goodness knows what Esther’s going to say when she comes along. She can get very jealous can my Esther. I wonder what’s keeping her? I bet she’s chatting up that butcher again to see if she can get extra rations. Maybe she’ll get some sausages, I’ve not had sausages for a long time.

 

“Here you are sir, here’s my colleague, she’s got a nice warm blanket to wrap round you.”

 

Two pretty policewoman! This is definitely turning out to be my lucky day. I’m not sure why they are wrapping that blanket round me, though I must admit it has gone a bit chilly. My fault, I should have listened to Esther when she told me to put on my scarf this morning. Hello, who’s this young chap walking towards us? He looks a bit agitated. I hope he isn’t one of their boyfriends come looking for trouble. That’s all I need, Esther to catch me fighting over two young ladies. I'd really be in for it.

 

“Thank goodness you found him officers. Is he OK?”

 

“May we ask who you are sir?”

 

“Sorry, I’m his son. My wife and I have been out looking for him for ages now. He slipped out of the house earlier this morning, without us noticing.”

 

“You do know that he’s got no clothes on don’t you sir.”

 

“Yes I know, he often does that. He simply forgets that he’s not got dressed. I should have guessed he’d be here. It’s where he and mum used to do their courting, just after the war.”

 

“Is she still alive sir, your mum?”

 

“No, she died almost 5 years ago. I’m glad in a way, I don’t think she would have been able to cope with him like this. Dad forgets she’s dead and keeps talking to her or asking where she is. Can I take him home now before he freezes to death?”

 

“Of course sir.”

 

“Come on dad, let’s get you home and dressed. Ann has got some lovely sausages in for your breakfast. You like sausages, remember.”

 

Strange, that young man has stopped talking to the police and now he’s talking to me. He doesn’t look angry anymore so maybe he’s not a boyfriend looking for a fight. Though I don’t know why on earth he’s going on about sausages, I hate sausages. Did he just call me dad? What a strange thing to say. You do get some funny people in this park nowadays. What’s he doing now? He’s got hold of my arm. Where’s he taking me? Constable stop him. What’s happening? Where’s my Esther?

Author's Note

Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Reviews

[Jgra]

The thoughts flow well but there a few punctuation mistakes you should go over it again, you hid any hints or giveaways to the ending very well. I liked how you portrayed his thoughts throughout the story without giving away that he's senile, it was a good story.

p.s please read my short story, even if you just skim through it and give me feedback.