Third age traveller

How is she, doctor?

I’m afraid she’s suffering from irreversible indignation.  It’s a little like industrial hearing loss or white knuckle.  There’s nothing more we can do.

What’s the prognosis?

Progressive deterioration.  The symptoms can only get worse.  I’m sorry.

Can she go home?

I don’t see why not.  We usually recommend a home for the permanently indignant, but it’s up to you if you think you can manage.

Can I see her?

Of course.  But she’s pretty…

Indignant?

Yes.  I’m afraid so.

***

Hello mam.

Hello mam? Don’t you bloody Hello mam me.  Where the bloody hell have you been?  The toilets are disgusting in here.  I can’t go.  What time is it?  I’ve been here hours.  

The doctor says you can leave.

Doctor?  What kind of doctor’s that? They're all bloody foreigners. Who’s that over there looking at me?  You can piss off as well.

Mam.  That’s not very nice.  Once you're dressed we can go.  The car’s outside.

What car?  You wouldn’t have a bloody car if it wasn’t for me and your dad.  We worked hard for what we’ve got.  I’ve got a good mind to walk.  No.  I’ll take a taxi.  The drivers all know me.  I don’t know what you’re doing here anyway.  Trying to take over, that’s what.  Well you can bugger off.  Bloody car.  You don’t know you're born.

***

Doctor?  Hello?  Ah, thank you.  The home for the permanently indignant – how much a month?