I forget

For this week's Magpie Tales, I let my imagination wander to a place I'll hopefully never visit.

photo by Tess Kincaid

What’s today? Monday. No, it must be Friday because we had fish and chips just now. There’s my empty plate. See? That’s right, Friday.

What happened to my memory? I used to take part in quizzes.

I did – didn’t I?

Why oh why is this happening to me? Why? It makes me so ANGRY!

Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to shout.

It is as if my mind is trying to stare out through a misted up window. It can make out shapes but not the detail.

I don’t expect you to understand, why should you? 

*

Who are you, standing there gawping at me?

My daughter? My daughter? No you are not. You’re an imposter. You are just after my money. Go. go. 

NOW.

Nurse, nurse…..

That’s it, turn on the waterworks and walk away. Go on. Youngsters today. Heaven help us.

*

Where was I before we were so rudely interrupted? 

My nurse is lovely you know.

What’s her name? Jenny. No, Jacqui. I think. She understands me.

And she has beautiful flowing black hair.

She has a special gift.  How can I explain it?

It’s as if she has a way of wiping away the mist on the glass before my mind, and for a few precious moments my memory returns.

But too soon it steams up again and I forget what I remembered. My head once again becomes a featureless cell with a misted window.

*

Hey, cheer up. We are going to have fish and chips tonight!  My nurse Jacqui... err, Jenny will be here soon with my tray.

She doesn't understand me, but she has the most beautiful flowing blonde hair.

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