Oh Hello Everybody. I didn’t think I would be able to speak to you today, what with one thing then another. But I’ve made it to the table. Do join me. I think we might need a fortified wine this evening. For medicinal purposes, you understand. You see, there’s been an accident…
Far be it from me to say I told you so; but I did tell them. Several times…
“Someone is going to get hurt” I said.
“Please calm down and stop playing silly beggars” I said. But to no avail.
I didn’t want to be right but, in those kinds of circumstances, I usually am…
I didn’t witness it actually happening but a loud yelp issued from behind me and, when I turned, Postlethwaite was lying on the floor completely still. I kept wishing there’d be a kind of popping sound as he regained his shape and bounced back to life. But he isn’t Wile E. Coyote and no such magic was present at the table today.
The other Little Houses ceased all activity immediately and stood agog. I stooped down and gently picked Postlethwaite up. He lay in the palm of my hand, silent and misshapen. He’d had so much potential, so many adventures to ride. All gone.
In the background I could hear the recriminations beginning. I shushed them. There was little point in throwing accusations around. Then the police arrived, accentuating the gravity of the situation, at which point all became very quiet and very obedient.
And so it is that on Monday the Health and Safety at Work Team will be visiting and, no doubt, implementing changes. Will heads roll? Or maybe roofs? I’m not sure but it will be a difficult morning…
I leave you with a picture of the scene on the table this evening. Please be careful out there… xxx