Random reminder

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 26

Random reminder

SOI ELCII She was sixtyish, pump, and greying — though the hairdresser worked wonders in that field. As she surveyed her image one bright early spring morning in her bedroom mirror. she swore (in a lad> like way! that she would never again look at her reflection in the bathroom: the light there was far too unkind. When one reached her age. morale needed constant boosting. She decided, therefore, to wear her new dress to work. Her new dress did wondeis for her figure, and the colours complemented the gold of her hair. Yes: she would wear the new dress todav. She worked part-time.

where she operated as nurse-receptionist for two doctors, their rooms connected by a common waiting-room. The waiting-room was large, and in one corner there was a partitionedoff recess which was her working domain from 2 to 5. In it were her typewriter. telephone, filing cabinet, and ail the usual appurtenances for a job like hers. She almost waltzed into the waiting-room — early as usual. But unexpectedly. there were already occupants. A woman sat. absorbed in a magazine, whilst her small son sprawled 'in the floor in the sun. with a small wooden aeroplane. “Zoooooob!” he explained as she entered.

"Yes. dear; it certainly travels fast!” They exchanged smiles: the woman went on reading. The receptionist wondered what on earth could be so interesting in those battered old magazines. She stopped for a moment to adjust flo.wers on the centre table, then drifted across to her cubicle, still feeling on top of the world, this gay Summer afternoon. The boy’s eyes followed her. admiringly. "O-o-o-h, look. Mummy! Such a pretty lady!” he exclaimed. The mother dragged her eyes from the printed page and followed his gesture. "Pretty dress, darling." --he corrected him gently, and went on with her