The Greedy Ones

October 31, 2021

I was just on the phone to my 88-year-old mother in New Zealand. ‘Do you have Halloween lollies for children?’ I asked.

‘No, bugger them,’ said Mum. ‘We’re in lockdown and they’re not in my bubble.’

Marion usually leaves a basket of sweets outside the door but they’re getting nothing this year.

I used to like watching the greedy ones take handfuls,’ she said.

What if the neighbour’s children come to your door? I ask. ‘I’m going to ignore them and pretend I’m not home,’ she replied. ‘As soon as I get off the phone I’m going to shut my curtains.’