Yesterday I rang up my eldest sister Beth but William answered the phone.
“Hello Bill” I said
“Oh, it’s you” he replied, well at least I rated a cordial you, I don’t think he likes me, heh.
“How are you” I cheerfully replied “it has been awhile”
“Fine” came the curt reply.
“Really, you sound grumpy” I asked
“I am fine” he said testily.
“You can tell me all about it, you know” I said sympathetically, honestly, no sarcasm was intended.
“What are you talking about?” he said softening a touch.
“Why, your recent bad news, it must have come as a shock, you must be heartbroken” I said cheerily
I heard an intake of breath, so I continued “never mind I am sure it will all turn out for the best”
“I’ll get your sister” he said ice forming on the words “Beth!” he shouted I could hear muffled mumbling
Beth picked up the phone and said “What the hell did you say to Bill?”
Innocently I replied “I just inquired to how he was, he is OK isn’t he, he sounded testy?”
Beth “Stop it right now”
So we carried on with the usual conversation.
