"Emotional Disturbance" by Maggie ElliotI’m wearing pyjamas. Am I ready for bed, or just risen? It’s daylight and the fire’s out. It must be morning.
My daughter told me my son’s coming for a few days. It’s been years. I know parents shouldn’t have favourites, but he’s mine. He looks just like his father. He’ll be here soon. I must get the fire going and make his favourite scones. I’m looking forward to company and getting out of the house. When he arrives he gives me a funny look when I ask his friend’s name. I make tea but can’t seem to find the scones. We dine out. I ate more than I have in days and I had wine. *** I am woken by voices. I am afraid. Who’s in my house? I ring the police whispering; ‘There is someone in my house. Come quickly.’ Opening the living room door, I see two people sleeping there. I shout ‘What are you doing in my house? Get out! I’ve called the police’. The man moves towards me. I grab the poker. Why does he keep saying ‘It’s me?’ I back out and hide in my room. The police come and a policewoman says a doctor is coming. Doctor? What for? I’m given a jag. He says ‘Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.’ My living room is full of people. They say I am to be moved to a place of safety. *** I wake to find myself in strange surroundings. I am afraid. I shout ‘Where am I? Why am I here? I want to go home.’ Someone is approaching with a syringe. I shut my eyes tight hoping they will go away. Old age stripped me of my looks, my physical abilities, and now I fear, my mind. Blackness descends.
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