My birthday on the 24th March 2022 was planned to be low key.
It was to be in the Honeypot Café at Fullarton Lutheran Homes. Only my two elderly aunties, Wilma and Lotte, cousin, Karen, sister Pauline and my wife Jane were invited. The party was set for 2.30pm.
It’s only a few minute drive from our unit to the homes but Jane is notorious for making me late.
‘Can you get me a cup of tea’ Jane asks at about 2.15pm.
‘No We will be late. You can have one at the Honeypot,’ I reply.
We actually arrive at the foyer to Lutheran homes at 2.30pm on the dot. Pauline is sitting patiently in foyer, but no one else.
After a few minutes Aunt Lotte appears. ‘The party is in Wilma’s unit. I thought you knew that,’ she says.
‘No!’ I retort.
We all walk over to Frew Street, to her unit. A sign on door says, “Go inside and relax Robert”. The door’s locked. Curiously there is food outside on a table but no sign of Wilma or Karen.
Jane retorts, ‘I’m not hanging around, food’s probably contaminated. Let’s go to the Dulwich Bakery.’
A minute after leaving, Wilma and Karen appeared. They were at the Latin Service which finished at 2.15pm. No one told Jane and me.
The party went on. But no guest of honour.
Burnside Writers Group 