Conk has been visiting old Betty for 3 months now and he’s beginning to notice a pattern.
They say hello
Betty jokes about still being alive
They complain about the weather (no matter what the temperature)
Betty asks about Conk’s family
Then Betty launches into the latest scandal from her Bridge club and that carries them all the way til closing.
Day in, day out.
Week in, week out.
Conk had heard that Gary Neville used to ring his mum before every game and she’d say the same two words to him and then he’d feel ready to play.
Conk thought to himself – maybe the repetition breeds familiarity and the familiarity makes Betty feel safe.
Thomas Duggan 