day two week thirty one two thousand and fifteen

Awake again, before the clock makes even the least sound. Real telephone calls in the night have broken the sleep down to less than it could have been. Get up, take the pills, goto the bathroom, take shower, refresh,

Clothing, as always. A moments panic, the shoes have disappeared. Fudthem. No, Find Them.

Found.

Hear the bells in the distance, leave the house. The street is icy and dark, quiet. Not quiet, silent.

An beat-up ear backs slowly, haltingly up the street. It was illicitly parked, and is leaving-before first light and first park warden. The driver cannot see out, but he drives anyhow. It must be the effect of the Carneval, or Fasching, or whatever. It has no tradition really in these parts, and is not much more than an excuse for a party, The driver hits the kerb.  Last nights entertainment is todays trouble...

Dolores at the bus stop, walking up and down. Sit and freeze is her alternative. She cannot wait to board the warm bus. Then, on board the bus, good morning, and the not young face of the, no longer, young woman tweaks into a radiant charming- smile of great beauty. Unexpected. Maybe never to be seen again.

The pigtailed smoker, and his female friend both talking, staring at a table of upcoming' events listed on a banner placed ofn the stations facade. She is that colourful woman of somewhat advanced years, him with his gray pigtaie, her with bright orange hair.

Anastasia smiles, not at all, coffee is ready made, paid for and the card stamped. These were not things to be expected, She is partnered todaywith the shaven headed man. Both fast efficient, tidy, obviously enjoying each others company.

Hedgehog, alone today.

On the silent television a notice appears warning:

the visitors to the monkey house that the inmates will throw shit at them if they enter wearing cameral costumes.

 It is to be assumed that this notice was found at the entrance to a monkey house in some zoo.

Smiles all round.

The monkeys are easily understood.

This shrove tuesday, the height of Carnival.

Tomorrow will he Ash Wednesday, day for self - recrimination.