I was lost in an old town of narrow cobbled streets. I saw a wrought iron sign arched above an open gateway – it read: ”INFORMATION”. I approached – hoping to get directions. Passing between two dilapidated buildings I entered a small dusty courtyard. There, in the centre, on a low, crumbling plinth, she sat – sipping a cup of tea through a straw with a trance like gaze.
Without looking at me she snapped, “I have nothing to say!”
“But, I haven’t asked you anything yet.”
“You were going to though – I know you were – they all do. Questions, questions, questions. Complete strangers coming in here off the street bothering me when I’m in the middle of my tea.”
“Sorry, I’ll come back when you’re…”
“There’s no need – I have nothing to say on the matter!”
“What matter?”
“Whatever matter it was you wished to ask me about!”
“I just wanted…”
“But what about what I want? Hm? No-one ever asks that. Never has anyone come in here and offered to answer any questions I might have. Not once has that happened!”
“But the sign says…”
“I know full well what the sign says – but I don’t suppose you noticed the question mark at the end of it did you?”.
“I, er, sorry…”
“Well look again on your way out.”
“OK, I’ll go then.”
As I turned to leave she said, “I expect you’re lost aren’t you?” I stopped, she continued, “Well I’ve got news for you – we’re all lost!”
