I stared at the plate of minced‑meat patties, the way I always do on Saturdays, and said, “I can’t keep
I can’t live with an old‑timer any longer. He said it while staring not at me but at the plate of meatballs.
“I can’t keep living with a pensioner,” she announced, staring not at me but at the plate of meatballs
“I can’t keep living with a pensioner,” he said, not looking at me but at the plate of meatballs.
I could no longer live with a pensioner. I said it while my eyes weren’t on her but on the plate of meat‑loaves
— The beach holiday is cancelled, — Leon said without looking up from his phone. — Mum’s coming.
— The beach holiday’s off, — Leon said, eyes never leaving his phone. — Mum’s on her way.
“Fine, the sea trip is cancelled,” Leonard says, eyes glued to his phone. “Mom’s on her way.
— The beach is cancelled, — Leonard said, eyes glued to his phone. — Mum’s coming. I stood in the middle
“The seaside holiday’s off,” I said, eyes glued to my phone. “Mom’s coming to stay with us.









