Aspidistra Peridot made her way downstairs to the dining room thinking about school. It seemed appropriate for a Monday. Losing her mind thematically helped alleviate some of the boredom at the Home of Sweet Tranquillity. Hah! All it took was a week for that lovely bubble of advertising to burst in a messy squabble. At least senility meant no-one could have a coherent argument with her.

“Shoes and socks, and don’t be late,” she announced sternly, as she approached the buffet-style table set with the cereals. Verity Smith was already helping herself to a liberal spoon of honey for her oats.

“What’s that, dear?” she asked “Oh. It’s you, Aspid.”

“Have you seen the shoe polish?” Aspidistra enquired in her best school-girl voice. “I must polish my shoes for school. I must always look my best.”

Verity sighed dismissively. “Why do you always single me out for your questions? I’m sure the shoe polish is wherever your lost mind is, dear.”

Aspidistra smiled to herself as she sat down at her table. It was directly between the buffet and the place reserved for Verity and her cronies – the Verity Table. Dolores and Edwina were already tucking in as Verity joined them. Aspidistra listened in on their chatter. The talk over the past week had had her wondering if they were plotting something. She was intrigued.

“How did you sleep, darling?” Dolores gushed as Verity sat down.

 “Shockingly badly. My neck was in agony again. I’m sure I must have a trapped nerve.” Verity slowly rolled her head round for effect.

“Oh you poor dear,” Edwina patted her hand from across the table. “Never you mind. That Robin won’t last forever. I’m sure we’ll be able to get you that room very soon. Then you will have a decent view from that wonderful bow window, and all that space to enjoy.”

“Thank you for your sweet words,” Verity smiled. “When the time comes we’ll all enjoy that room. Just imagine. You’ll be able to visit me there: bridge, Devonshire tea, the view…it will be just as it ought to be. Ah, the dream…”