Torrential rain had caused the usual traffic chaos in the centre of town and H was nearly two hours late arriving at the Ministry. He had been asked to attend a meeting the purpose of which had not been explained to him. Speaking in French was a challenge and his nervousness about meeting the Minister was increased by his being badly delayed. Getting out of the taxi he stepped into a puddle, soaking the bottoms of his trousers and filling his shoes with water. He had no choice but to carry on to the meeting in this bedraggled state. Inside the building H was shown into a sparsely furnished meeting room, and turning round saw he had left a trail of muddy footprints on the tiled floor. The Minister entered with several of his aides and they took their seats around the conference table. After H had apologised for his lateness, the Minister began to speak. His voice was so quiet H struggled to make out anything he was saying over the clanking and swishing sounds of a man wiping the floor with a mop. When the Minister finished everyone looked at H expectantly. Lowering his gaze H noticed his trousers had shrunk and that he appeared to be wearing shorts.
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Simon Collings
Words & Picture
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