Amber Days 2

            Chapter 2

Tea splattered on Berta's spotless table cloth. She winced at the clatter of a teaspoon on a saucer. The dust covering the top shelves in the living room made her itch.

"How do you like your tea?"

Joy Sheppard moved to L.A in the 50s with her husband who was hoping to be an actor. In the end, he became the head of the biggest advertising agency in California. 

"Mmm, it's good. Goes well with the digestives."

Berta pretended to like it and swallowed down the bitter drink. She preferred coffee. 

Every Thursday at around 4PM, they had tea at Berta's place. This time, Berta made her famous almond cookies. She helped herself to another digestive and shoved the tin towards Joy. Dunking it in the tea, she brought up the subject of her daughter Beth.

"Did Beth tell you about the date?"

Joy opened the tin before dunking the almond cookie in her cooling cup of tea. 

"Yes, she did, but I don't think she like Charles."

Berta sat up straighter at hearing the news. Charles was her eldest son, and her favourite. 

"Oh? What about him didn't she like?"

Joy's face drained of colour.

"I...I don't feel well. Maybe we can continue this next time."

Berta helped her up, her joints popping. 

"Of course. Take it easy Beth."

Amber Days 1

                     Chapter 1

"Berta Robinson, come to the desk."

A tall slim woman in a pale yellow dress shuffled over to the front desk.

"Nurse Ray, you got my pills?"

She laughed out loud. He winked at her and shuffled from foot to foot. His 400 lb figure were a weight on his joints.

"Your grandson is in the waiting room. Here, don't forget your medication."

She squeezed his hand.

"Thank you."

Taking the bag of pills, she found her grandson reading a poster on the wall. He turned around and looked at her. At the sight of her fragile figure, his stiff composure softened.

"Come on Grandma, the car is right at the front."

She followed him out into the too bright day, squinting all the way into the car. Berta lived in L.A for most of her life. The cheeriness of the sun evaded her. From her bag, she pulled out a pair of ancient Chanel sunglasses. 

The drive took longer than expected. 

"John, can you go to the store for me? Here's the list."

She settled down on a kitchen stool. A cupboard was open before her. 

"Sure, anything else?"

He exhaled the sentence almost annoyed at having to be stuck in traffic again.

"Oh yes, please get those almond cookies that I like."

"Okay. I'll be back as soon as I can. Call me if you need me."

He grabbed his car keys and walked out with a grimace. Berta reached for an old coffee can and pulled out a small jar. 

The amber glass gleamed in the watery sunlight. Her eyes lit up as she remembered familiar faces from her past.