As she was ladling something from the pot, I pulled out some antibacterial wipes from my handbag and began wiping the forks. She saw me.
Recently, Id popped round to my aunts house to drop off a few papers she needed. We usually only see each other at Christmas, but this time it was something urgent. She doesnt exactly live the best life, though its not for lack of money. Its not that Im stingyI just think cleanliness is the bare minimum. Anyone can live modestly, but your home should always be kept in proper order.
The walls were lined with all sorts of things gathering dust. Figurines of dogs and cats, mismatched tea sets, even empty jam jars, all perched in messy towers. In the bathroom, a crusty old litter trayshe says she cleans it every Sunday. Rubbish scattered itself about the floor as if it crept there by its own accord. It all smelled of sour milk and something far worse, mouldy and sharp, swirling from the drains.
My aunt offered me something to eat and began setting out the table. As she put the plates and cutlery down, I noticed the forks still had yesterdays gravy on them. While she was occupied at the stove, I quietly fished a packet of wipes out of my bag and gave mine a proper scrub.
She noticed straight away. When I prodded at the food with my newly cleaned fork, she asked, somewhat hurt
Not hungry, or dont you like it?
What could I say? Has anyone else found themselves in a dream quite like that?
