Monday 3pm

– Katie, give me your coat and I’ll make us some lunch

– I have to do my homework first

– Not till you’ve had something to eat

Katie sat down at the table, her school backpack at her feet.  Her mother joined her with a cup of tea, and a plate of sandwiches for them to share.

– That’s a good girl, eat a sandwich and I’ll get you some milk.

– We’re doing a Christmas play mum.

– That’s lovely Katie, who are you going to be

– I’m the star.  You have to make my outfit.

– A star!  That’s wonderful.  You’ll make a great star

Monica filled Katie’s glass with milk.

– Caroline’s going to be Mary.  It’s not fair!

– Probably because of her long hair Katie

– No its not.  She always wants to be teacher’s pet

– Your teacher loves you too Katie

– I’m only a star.  Standing at the back

– Do you have to sing anything, Katie

– We all sing

– When have you to practice

– We’ve already started.  I told you

– Oh, never mind, finish your milk

Tuesday 3pm

Katie’s mother went to the fridge.   She topped up the half empty glass. Then she settled back at the table.

– Caroline is out sick

– Ah, poor Caroline.  What’s the matter with her?

– Just sick.  I don’t care

– Now Katie, you shouldn’t say that

– Well I don’t care.  Now she can’t be Mary

– What’s the matter with Caroline anyway

– She’s just sick.  She took one of my sandwiches yesterday

– You didn’t have sandwiches Katie, you had crackers

– Well, I found one, in my bag.

– And she ate it?  Katie, it was probably stale.

-I don’t think so.  She said ‘thank you’

– Anyway, it means I can be Mary now.

 

 

Josephine Nolan