Stickler

Written for https://lindaghill.com/2025/02/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-15-2025/

‘You’re a stickler on the rules.’

‘Yes.’

‘So, why do you arrive for work on time, but are you always late for our staff night out?’

Lara stared at her nails, rather than looking her colleague in the eye. It was true. She hated being the first. If she did, then she would have to have a conversation with one person, and she found that difficult.

What could she talk about? The weather, her family, the dog. She saw how people’s eyes glazed over when she was in full warrior mode. Besides, she understood there were only two settings. Too quiet; with not enough to say or chattering about anything and everything.

‘Did you see the weather out there?’ she asked, pulling on her umbrella. ‘Sorry, it was a bit of a rush feeding the kids, and I forgot to walk Scamp, my German Shephard.’

‘It is okay.’

‘Sorry.’

‘I hate these events.’

Sitting at the end of the table, Lara took off her coat, hanging it over the chair.

‘Me too. I love writing.’

Ready for her to make excuses to leave, she picked up the menu.

‘Oh, that’s cool. I could never write a book. Too ditsy for that. I paint.’

A friend, someone as quirky, and for once she shared something other than the weather. Pouring out a glass of water, she leant back in the chair. Tonight was going to be great after all.