‘ .’
‘No, not exactly.’
‘ .’
‘No. It’s not a joke. It’s terrible. There are chickens in my bed.’
‘ .’
‘Right. Yes. Ha, ha.’
‘ .’
‘No. But that’s not the worst of it. You’re not going to believe this…’
‘ .’
‘No, not that. I’m serious. There’s no library.’
‘ .’
‘It’s been shut.’
‘ .’
‘ .’
‘I know they can’t.’
‘ .’
They want me to drive a mobile library instead.’
‘ .’
‘I’m glad you think it’s funny.’
‘ .’
‘Yes, as a replacement.’
‘ .’
‘No, I told her I wouldn’t accept it.’
‘ .’
‘It’s not an opportunity.’
‘ .’
‘What do you mean? I can hold down a proper job.’
‘ .’
‘Anyway. I’m coming back in a couple of weeks’ time.’
‘ .’
‘I can.’
‘ .’
‘No. You don’t understand. This isn’t a stepping stone. You haven’t seen this place.’
‘ .’
‘Oh. You’re not?’
‘ .’
‘I see. Why, where are you going?’
‘ .’
‘Right. Well, I’m sure you’ll have a great time.’
‘ .’
‘No, of course not.’
‘ .’
‘Yes.’
‘ .’
‘Anyway, what else is happening there?’
‘ .’
‘Oh, really?’
‘ .’
‘No. That’s great. No, you deserve it.’
‘ .’