Only on a Sunday.

I met my friend Mike outside the supermarket today, I had just bought food for the cats, myself and my wife.

Mike was wearing a white tea shirt with black words – I write, therefore I am – and some of those ear things that let you listen to people talking elsewhere.

One of these items made him look more important than I usually consider him.

He looked bigger too, like he had taken on a world or responsibility.

Or been eating more.

He said hi.

I said hi.

He asked if I was well.

I said I was and inquired after himself.

“Fine thanks.”

“Have you finished my book?” I had held this back long enough.

“I’m three quarters through, I have no time! I’m behind on my own book, I have the slowest house restoration project ever and I don’t even have time to scratch my arse.”

This was more information than I needed, I needed a – ‘yes, it’s brilliant. When’s the second going to be ready?’

“The second’s ready.” I offered this unbidden. “How’s Lydia?” It seemed opportune to change the subject.

“So so.”

There was silence then, a few cars went into the parking a few went out.

“How do you like your car?”

I’m not used to being asked such a question.

“I love the colour!” But I was ready. Last night's rain had washed away the dust and it sparkled.

“It was the only one I could afford, but it has a window I can open and heater that heats and cools depending. It’s all manual.” I was ecstatic. 

“It’s the first time I‘ve had a car where I can’t see the bonnet. It’s like being in a video game!”

“I loved my Skoda,” he said trying to calm me down. “It went on for ever.”

“I’m hoping this one will too, it’s already clocked over two-hundred and thirty thousand and  I want to go to London Scotland, the Outer Hebrides and Barcelona.”

“It’s the official car of the Tour de France.”

“Will that help?”

“It won’t hinder.”

“Well…..”

“Well…”

Obviously it was time to move on.

“See you soon?”

“See you soon.”

“I hope your Sunday is infused with wonder and enlightenment, beauty and amazement.”

You don’t get to say that very often.

Only on Sundays.