Open Writing

'Hullo, are you Ed Jenkins?'

'If you mean am I Mr Edward Jenkins, yes, that's me.'

'Well, my name is Stan Potts and I've come to collect you.'

'What do you mean, come to collect me?'

'Just that, to collect you, to take you to the house.'

'To the house? What house? This is my home . . . I've got all I need here, peace and quiet, friends ... I'm not leaving here for anybody.'

'Now, now, don't get upset. You'll be just as happy in the house where you used to live. You'll be free there to do what you want, come and go as you please, without other people fussing about.'

'But. . . damn it, I'm free here.'

'Only up to a point. You have to obey the rules, the mealtimes and all that. It's not freedom, really, is it? More like being in prison, if you ask me.'

'More like being in prison? No it bloody well isn't. . . Now go away and leave me in peace .. . Are you deaf? I'll send for matron . . . She won't be too pleased that you're here..."
'Actually, it was matron who -'

'Stop, stop . . . bugger off, I don't want to hear any more of this, it's getting on my nerves . . . What did you say your name was?'

'Stan Potts.'

'Well, Stan Potts, you're a bit potty if you ask me ... Just a minute, how did you get in? ... We don't have intruders here, or burglars, or kids throwing stones at the windows, or muggings.'

'Now, now, it's not as bad as all that, where you used to live.'
'Oh yes it bloody well is ... Just a minute, who let you in? I ought to ring for matron . . . Ah, speak of the angel, here she is ... Matron, matron, please tell this . . . Stan Potty chap to leave me alone . . . he's trying to ... take me aw -'