LOST FOR WORDS by Colin Barrow

It’s Monday, July eleventh and its James birthday. Today, as with other Mondays, he turns up to avail himself to assist Brenda by keeping the garden tidy and any additional grocery shopping or chores she may need. Brenda is retired and as a ageing widow, she has no children of her own. James keeps a keen eye on her requirements and wellbeing as he promised George, the late husband of Brenda and a teacher from the school days of James.

This has created a great respect for each other, and allows James to say things to Brenda, which others wouldn’t dare! After the usual chit chat of the morning, James leaves the house to buy the few groceries that Brenda requires, which includes another bottle of single malt whisky, which now appears to be a weekly requirement. In his absence Janet, a friend of Brenda, who on occasions James does a little work for, arrives unannounced on the doorstep. This is against the etiquette of Brenda and she makes her feelings about it very clear. Brenda, like her mother and grandmother feels that it is not the done thing to just drop in on someone without prior notice.

At least a telephone call gives a chance to put people off their visit. With a slightly frosty reception, a thaw begins when Janet produces a container of raspberries, Brenda’s favourite summer fruit, from a shopping trolley which appears to contain more junk than good. After some conversation, Janet leaves a card and present for James and departs.

James arrives with two bags of groceries and there seems to be a slight altercation about the, ‘by one get one free’ and ‘non branded goods.’ Whilst enjoying a coffee and tot of whisky to celebrate his birthday, the card and present left by Janet is opened. And although one should be grateful for gifts, as ‘it’s the thought that counts’, this gift appears to be the last thing James would want. Brenda gives her card which contains a good sum of money, only to offer a means for her to spend it on his behalf.

The play then produces a revelation which Brenda feels it’s her duty to bring to light whilst she is still alive. This leaves James, lost for words!