Shake Hands It’s Thursday

I decided to challenge myself to write a short story each day for a week on the theme of infection. Each story is no longer than 500 words and 4 minutes in length. Some are serious others less so. Find the text of the fourth story below but you can also listen on my podcast. Enjoy and let me know what you think. Hopefully I will see you tomorrow for story 5

Seven Fevers

Shake hands it’s Thursday

Edward loved gardening. His friend Tom enjoyed Lawn Bowls.

During the summer months they would see each other most days. One day they would play at the local Bowls club. The next Tom would come round and help in Edward’s garden. 

Despite seeing each other so much they always began and ended with a handshake. Their wives thought it was funny how they kept this arrangement.

On Sunday evening Edward and Tom walked back from a Bowls tournament. At the corner of the street they shook hands and said.

‘See you tomorrow.’

Edward and his wife ate supper and watched their favourite Soap Opera. Ten minutes into the show an announcement was made by the Country’s leader accompanied by a top Medical expert.

A powerful unknown virus had been discovered. Many measures were to be introduced to slow its spread. The term used was ‘Social Distancing.’

Edward’s wife looked at him and smiled. ‘No more shaking hands for you and your buddy.’

‘He can work at the other end of the garden though.’ Edward said.

It was sunny and warm the next day when Tom appeared. He came through the gate and extended his hand.

Edward shook his head. ‘You saw the announcement last night about Social Distancing?’

Tom nodded. ‘It’s silly. You and I see one another everyday. I mean what’s changed since last night? I’m not unwell.’

‘Even so.’ Edward said keeping his hands in his pockets and stepping back several paces. ‘We should stick to the guidelines.’

Tom was cross. He worked on planting a magnolia in a far corner of the garden. With each spadeful of soil his face grew redder. 

‘How are you getting on with that magnolia Tom?’ Edward called from across a line of shrubs.

‘Fine.’ Tom said. 

He was not fine and left earlier than normal.

He did not show for Bowls the next day or for gardening the day after. He would not come to the phone when Edward asked to speak to him.

Several months later the virus infection subsided noticeably and Social Distancing restrictions were gradually lifted.

Edward met Tom by chance outside the local supermarket. 

‘Tom.’ He said. ‘I’ve missed you buddy. I know it’s been tough with these strict rules but we survived.’

‘We did survive.’ Tom said. ‘But our friendship is dead.’

With this he walked to his car and drove off.