As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By I pushed a ten shilling note across the counter. She gave me a few pennies change which I put it in my gymslip pocket and quickly collected the goods from the counter top. I struggled out of the door carrying the laundry by the string.

“Ta-rah” Mrs Saunders called.

“Ta-rah” I called back, happy to be outside again.

By now it was getting darker and I noticed that the lamplighter was busy further down the street. Once the gas was lit, it cast an eerie cold light as far as it could reach and created dark scary shadows in doorways and down terraces.

I shivered and dashed down the terrace.

Back at Grandma’s, I pushed the front door open with my bottom and stepped inside out of the damp air. The blazing fire was always a welcome sight. “Pass me that laundry, Shirley”, said Grandma. As I gave it to her, I saw she had her list in her hand ready to check what was inside the parcel.

She untied the string which she carefully wound up and put to one side for future use, followed by the same ritual with the brown wrapping paper. Inside, sheets, pillow cases, underwear and towels were all neatly pressed and folded and smelled gloriously fresh. Grandma carefully checked and counted each article and when satisfied she said,“Will you put these in the cupboard for me please, Shirley, and put the paper and string in the top drawer” “Once I’ve done that, can I have some toast please,” “Yes and be careful with that bread knife. It’s sharp today as the blade sharpeners been round and done the knives and scissors”.

“Okay” I replied as I jumped up and unhooked the toasting fork from off the wall next to the range. The knife quickly cut through the bread. I put a slice on to the fork and, pulling 23