A QUOTATION COMES TRUE – Edith Brunt

George and Ruth had moved to the south of England, and Ruth had been very busy unpacking most of the day.  After making herself a cup of coffee she settled down for a well-earned rest.  Lifting up her legs and resting them on a packing case, she picked up a book from the floor.  It was a coy of “Gone with the Wind”.  Opening the book, she soon became engrossed with the story, until she arrived at chapter four, where she discovered an old newspaper cutting between the pages.

 

It was an account of her only daughter’s wedding, with a picture of the bride and groom.  Ruth felt very sad as she studied the lovely smile on her daughter’s face.  How I will miss her, she thought – but never mind we shall have the pleasure of her company when she comes to visit us!

 

Bringing her thoughts back to the present, she decided to go out and purchase some fresh vegetables for their evening meal.  Having concluded her shopping, she crossed the road, and was making her way towards the bus stop, when he shopping bag caught on a loose wire which was sticking out of a litter basket.  The bag pulled out of her hand, spilling its contents all over the payment.

 

Frantically she began picking up the various vegetables, trying to retrieve before the hurrying feet of the pedestrians scattered them all away.  Suddenly she heard a voice with a distinct cockney accent shout – then, peals of raucous laughter.  Standing erect, Ruth glance towards the bus stop and saw a young man, who was obviously enjoying himself, at her expense.  She was livid! Suddenly, a little old man who had been trying to help Ruth, and obviously knew the young man, shouted out: – “If you were hoping to catch the number thirty-seven bus mate, I’m afraid you’ve just missed it!

 

“Oh blimey” said the young man, “I shall miss the last train”.  He stepped off the pavement, shouting “Taxi, Taxi”, waving his arms about, and side stepping the traffic, his motions were just like a ballerina.

 

Ruth stood there trying to stem the laughter bubbling up inside her, as the old man said … “Go on love, let it out.  Get your own back.  The old saying is true you know … He who laughs last, laughs longest!”.

 

So, it was – Ruth laughed and laughed until her sides ached!

 

 

Credit to Derek Brunt for letting me type up Edith Brunt’s memories. – Linda Taylor (nee Staton)