It was only my second week in accounts. I was the new boy – soon there would be another, and they would be the one taking the orders:
‘Two sugars, No milk.’
‘Three sugars, extra milky.’
‘Black.’
‘Nothing for me, son.’
The stained, wooden tray wobbled as I carefully weaved through the sea of filing cabinets. I spluttered as I placed a cracked Silver Jubilee mug on the edge of Mr Heaton’s desk. A muffled thanks barely penetrated the fog as an ivory pipe rattled against his yellowed teeth.
Mr Williams and Miss Foster laughed and giggled as I approached. He was married, happily they said. She was barely out of school – younger than me. Thinking back, it seemed so innocent; now it’s all so different.
The office closed in 1994 – it was turned into luxury flats within six months. Those of us still working there were moved to a new place in the new industrial estate on the other side of town.
Mr Heaton passed away last summer. His days wrapped in fumes eventually taking their toll. Mr Williams remains happily married – he’s now a grandfather of eight. Miss Foster left after just a few months. Heard she moved to Australia – I wonder if she remembers Mr Williams.
These words form my entry into this week’s Sunday Photo Fiction challenge.
Was this based on your own memories Paul? … and I just saw the tag “Fantasy World” lol. I like this trip down memory lane. It reminds me of some of the places I worked and are now closed. Not that I ever did tray duties.
No, it’s all made up. However, on reflection it does take me back to my own first days in offices back in the early 90’s i.e. smoking at desks etc.
ps. Sorry I haven’t posted in a while – must try to submit more often. Cheers!
I know how time gets away from us all the time. It was great to see you appear on there again 😉
What a delightful piece.
AnElephant remine remmini, um, remembers those days!
Thanks, Brian.
Nicely written. Takes me back to being a 16 year old on a YTS scheme – the “Good old Days”, eh? 😉
Cheers, Steve. Glad I was able to trigger some memories.