2 of 25

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

care much about grandparents anymore.
"Glenys, that's my wife, she usually does the driving now." He put his glasses back on, and smoothed his slightly tousled hair back approximately into its place. "She's a very good driver. Very careful. Always courteous to other drivers." He smiled gently. "That's where I'm going today, I'm going to see her in the hospital." For a few moments he seemed to just sit, absorbed in thought. He chewed absent-mindedly at his thumbnail.

"Lyn was going to come, and bring the grand kids with her today, but she's busy with work, and Mark has them this week anyway. I know Glenys would really like to see Jenny and Todd". For a moment he looked like he might cry, but he took a breath and continued. "Well, they might be able to come next weekend."
She looked down at her Doc Martins, they were very scuffed.
"I tried to call our Garry and tell him that Mum was in the hospital, but I got his machine again... I can't talk to those things. I don't know what it is, I just don't know what to say. I guess I'll try again tonight... I think he starts work at six. He works the night-shift. I don't know how they find so many people that want to ride in taxis all night, but still, I guess it's good money. Maybe he'll come and visit on Sunday."
She smiled a half-hearted encouragement.
"You're right, they probably won't. Kids these days, they always have so much homework. And everyone's so busy all the time. I hardly ever get to see any of them They never call." There was an awkward pause as his feelings overtook his train of thought. He swallowed heavily and took a deep breath before continuing. "I can't think what it was like for Glenys, all by herself in that hospital bed all last night." He looked at her with sad eyes. "The nurse made me get a taxi home and get some sleep. But I couldn't sleep. I just lay there thinking about Glenys, I missed her so much. I wanted to call Lyn or Garry, but it was after midnight. Garry would be at work, and Lyn would be in bed. So I just lay there wishing I could sleep. Wondering what Glenys was thinking about. Hoping she was getting some rest." He squinted and rubbed his eyes to hide the tears that were forming, and then began cleaning his glasses again, though they were already as clean as they were going to get. Just then, the bus pulled up, and as he got up to climb on to the bus, he paused and looked back at her, still sitting on the ugly green bench. "Goodbye, and thankyou." He said, and then the door closed and he was gone.
After he had gone, she continued to sit there on the bench, with her bag in her lap, alone. As she watched a discarded chocolate wrapper tumble past in the wake of the passing traffic, she began to weep.

Learn more about this author, Ben Morton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: The people you meet on buses, subways, and trains?
We want to hear your view. Write now!