The text message was genuine.
It had to be.
He stood outside the address.
Yet he had no idea who Harry was. Or indeed, Barbara.
Inside, the party was in full swing.
A little overdressed, he cut a composed figure. He held it well. And the scotch.
He didn’t know anybody. Yet he blended in.
Taking up space in the kitchen. In the way in the hall. Occupying the bathroom.
Eventually, someone asked: Who do you know here?
Nobody.
The animated faces were amused at first. The smiles faltered. No one laughed.
My doctor says I should get out more.
Copyright © Andrew Wright 2026


