The Government had lost its way. No matter which way it tried to turn, the virus has it in a pincer movement. It is just too depressing to watch the news anymore.
When I received the shielding letter, my morale started to go downhill. Overnight my freedom and my independence had been taken away. It had proved easy enough to order food deliveries online and also my prescriptions, but the human element interaction was missing. How I longed to go outdoors, or hug my daughter and my grandson, or see my mates down the local. I felt that my human rights had been infringed.
A knock on the window brought me back from my dark thoughts. It was the new neighbour’s son, dressed up as Robin.
“It’s my birthday, I’ve brought you some of my Batman cake.”
“Mmm, chocolate – my favourite. That’s verykind of you, could you leave it on the doorstep.”
Robin lingered and then said
“My mummy says you are under house arrest, you must have been very bad.”
“I am not too sure I’d call it very bad.”
“I was grounded for a week after I kicked the cat!”
“I have a grandson around your age, what’s your name?”
“It’s Robin, silly. What’s yours?”
“I’m Batman.”
“You’re not.”
“I’ll prove it to you.”
I went to the closet and pulled out my raincoat and placed it on my shoulders.
“You’ve got a cape! Do you have a Batmobile as well?”
“It’s at the garage being repaired after I crashed it chasing villains.”
“Ooo, wait till I tell mum that Batman’s our neighbour, the best birthday present ever!”
He ran off back to his house. I felt myself starting to smile, he had certainly been a tonic.
The next day, he was back.
“Mum’s asking if you want any shopping?”
I didn’t really, but with such a good opportunity to speak to anyone, I said
“Yes, I could do with a few things, I’ll just write them down.”
While they were gone, I hunted for something that I could give as a birthday present. I’d have to make a card as well. I found a torch that was practically new. With a black sharpie I drew a bat on the lens. The cardboard side of my cornflakes packet made a good bat-shaped card. I left them on the doorstep for Robin to find when they brought my shopping.
Their voices outside brought me to the window, I heard Robin’s mum say:
“Cuthbert, come on, I’ve got to get lunch ready.”
“ Cor! Mum, look at this”
Poor kid I thought, trying not to snigger, no wonder he calls himself Robin.
Later on, as I was putting the goods away, I found a hand written note in the carrier bag –
Please feel free to phone me if you need anything
0001240556732
I felt like I had been given a lifeline.
