three fifty seven

cog: Skunk.

One of his fellow bookstore cogs enters the stock room where Brother Skunk is preparing some books for their return to the publisher.

cog: Skunk, that’s ache¹ on line two, she’s on hold.

Skunk: Thanks.

and follows him back out into the front shop, glancing to the windows to see what the weather is doing as he picks up the telephone.

Skunk: Hiya.

ache¹: Hi, are you busy?

Skunk: No, no there’s not, no, I’m just doing some returns, but it’s quiet. What’s up?

ache¹: Guess what?

Skunk (smiling): What?

ache¹: No no, guess. Guess what?

Skunk: Oh Jesus, I have no idea. What?

ache¹: Guess.

Skunk: Ehm... you’re pregnant?

ache¹ (laughing): Nope, not yet anyway. Close though, I got some Bazookas.

Skunk: You’re kidding. Where did you get them from?

ache¹: I had them sent over. They

Skunk: Oh no, really? What, did you, did you ask deleted

ache¹ (cutting him off): Yes, and they came with the beer this morning. There’s a whole box of ‘em. I haven’t had any yet though, so you’ve gotta come straight round after okay? And I’ll hold off ‘til then.

Skunk: Oh Christ. Okay... okay.

ache¹: Okay? You’ll come straight over?

Skunk: Yeah, yeah. It’ll be ehmm... Lord. Oh, did you get whiskey too?

ache¹: I’ll get some, don’t worry.

Skunk: Oh no it’s alright, I’ve got my hipflask in my bag. Shall I bring some M&Ms?

ache¹: Yeah, just get a small bag though, eh?

Skunk: Okay.

ache¹: Well enjoy the rest of your afternoon, I’ll see you later

Skunk: Yeah, okay. Bye.

ache¹: in the funny pages.

Skunk: Bye.