The Oldie

Mary's new phobia – my voice

‘House-hunters, escaping rocketing rents in London, are targeting Wiltshire, as they seek more space for their money, as well as a better work/life balance,’ droned Mary.

She was reading aloud from the local rag, but I was absorbed in the study of Beechcombings, Richard Mabey's view of woodlands through the exclusive lens of the beech tree, and was only half-listening.

Most of the time when I react to Mary's voice, it turns out that she has not been talking to me at all

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