Roachville

Like a big clumsy bug, the mobile phone vibrated next to my head.

For a few seconds, I stayed still between two worlds until my mind cleared. As a principle, I try to avoid afternoon naps, because they give me overly vivid dreams and a thick head. I shivered, recalling the erotic dream about Kenneth Tann. What was that all about?

Eventually, I grabbed my mobile. There was a text from Vi. ‘What u up to tonite?’

I couldn’t be bothered to text back. I freaking hate SMS language. So I called her. It was only logical.

‘Hiya, Vi! Nothing.’ I sprawled on the sofa, head almost touching the floor, feet sticking up above the back rest.

‘Not sorting things out with Mac?’ Vi enquired.

‘What things…? Nope.’ I wasn’t in the mood to talk about him.

‘In that case, do you want to come round for some food?’

I put all my weight on my head as if I were some sort of yoga master. ‘Yep. Sounds good. Want me to bring anything?’

‘No, it’s fine, but... remind me to tell you about this new place in St-Werburghs.’

‘What new place?’

‘I can’t describe it over the phone, it’s top secret,’ she giggled.

‘Now I’m feeling suspicious,’ I mumbled, flipping myself upright.

‘Ah, here we go. Why always so melodramatic?’

‘I don’t do it on purpose. Must be my psychological make-up.’

‘Bullshit! That’s just an excuse to be complacent and stay negative.’

I blinked at the accusation. ‘You think I’m that bad?’

‘You can be. I think you might be depressed.’

‘Vi, I’m not depressed, I just worry about the world.’ I shrugged.

Neither of us said anything for a while and I mused about how much I hate the telephone as a means of communications.

Vi resumed the conversation in a lighter voice. ‘Listen, I was gonna tell you about this garden place I found, I think you’d like it. It’s got some exotic plants and nice garden ornaments, and also a really cool dragon that I reckon you’ll totally love!’

‘Dragon...’ I echoed, my voice sounding like a small trickle of water disappearing down a siphon.

‘Look, got to go. See you this evening, yeah?’

‘Yeah,’ I replied, my mind lingering on dragons and coincidences.