TROUT   [ 2 ]


  Smith and Adams


Smith was working on the rules for lawn tennis. Adams had the Roget's out, looking up words for his crossword. The heater was on. Catherine asked them if they were cold. The heater was there. She turned it up and left the room again. Smith worked on the rules for lawn tennis. Adams had the Roget's out, looking for words. He asked Smith a question.

-Do you suppose 'ague' is in the thesaurus?
Smith looked up, screwing his face, blinking.
-Looking for a reason?
-Maybe.
-They'll never let us out.
-Never?
-Not ever. It's too much of a risk.
-Not ever.
-No.
Smith stood up and went to the television.
-Sport?
-If you like.
He pressed the button and went back to his seat. The t.v. flickered on and went out. The fuse had gone. They would have to ring Catherine. She would fix things or replace the set.

-Like tennis?
It was Smith. Adams looked at him, meeting his eye for only the second time that day.
-Played for my school. You play?
-I write rules for it.
-Bloody kidding! What's with those frenchie names then?
They began to talk.


—Thomas Mitchell
   © 1997


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