Changes

I shut off the radio and decide that the government won’t be that quick to do what they say they’ll do. It’s a DAB radio, and better than your old AM/FM one, my grandson told me as he set it up.

I whistle for Lenny who waddles into the living room carrying his lead in his mouth. He’s getting to be as old as this old boy. I pick him up and give him a kiss. It isn’t soft – it’s camaraderie.

I ignore the young man standing just outside my newsagent handing out ‘Stop smoking’ fliers. If he were in any way religious, the government would have him locked up.

I’m pleased to see that Jala is serving this morning. She has big, beautiful brown eyes and talks as if unaware of the Indian lilt she inherited from her folks, who I’ve known for years.

‘Good morning, Jala,’ I say, and mean it. ‘My usual ten, please?’

She looks at me as if I’ve asked her to start getting undressed. ‘I’m afraid I can’t, Mr Henry. New government policy.’

I pretend to ignore the GOV.UK poster hanging just beneath the scratch cards: All tobacco based products are now illegal.

‘Yes, I know, but it’s only just come in. Surely you have a few packets to get rid of?’

Her expression softens. ‘I’m sorry, but if we sell you any smokes, and someone sees, we’ll get fined.’ Her eyes rise above my head and scour the shop.

‘So, you do have some?’ I press.

‘No,’ she says. Her eyes say the words but her mouth trembles. I wonder if she’s ever known the sweetness of smoking in her twenty-one years of life.

‘Ah, OK.’ I chuck a tenner onto the counter. ‘What about now?’

‘Mr Henry,’ she starts. She’s close to annoyance, but her sweet heart won’t let her. ‘I’m sorry.’

A new customer walks into the shop and Jala looks relieved to see them. I apologise to her for making her uncomfortable, bid her good day, and tug at Lenny.

I feel profoundly optimistic about the situation, despite knowing that I may not have many good reasons left to visit this newsagent again. It only hits me when I cross the threshold, as Lenny tries to pull ahead of me.

I’ve never been to any other newsagents along this high street in all my years. Maybe I'll try my luck today.