Southend U3A

Writing for Fun

October 2019

A Remark! - Diane Silverston

Margaret was upset. It wasn’t fair. Everyone and everything was against her. No-one seemed to understand or care how she felt. She was alone.

How had it happened? Why had it happened?

Everything had been going along so well. Everyone mingling and enjoying themselves, chatting and laughing.

Then suddenly all had changed. That remark had been made and there had been a sudden silence and friends turning away.

Then the whispers had started and Margaret had felt everyone’s eyes staring at her.

Why had she said it? She didn’t really mean it. It seemed to just slip out.

Gradually the group had walked away, leaving her on her own. Margaret was determined not to cry but the tears were there. Surely they knew that she hadn’t meant it. Surely they knew her better than that. She could see them further away, talking and laughing again, enjoying themselves but she was alone.

What should she do? Would it be enough to go and say sorry? Would they accept her apology or would they ignore her? Would they let her re-join them or would they hold a grudge against her?

Feeling scared but trying to look brave, Margaret started to walk across towards the group. Taking a deep breath and trying to smile, she reached them. Nervously she said her apologies and waited.

It was difficult to be brave standing there with them all looking at her. After all she was only four.

Suddenly one of the girls smiled at her and came across. Then the others followed, Margaret was back with her friends.