Small Talk 2024.

Shawbridge sat beside Bill in the deserted lounge of the Lodge. Cigarette? he asked. Bill whose peace had been disturbed by the entrance of the man wanted to decline but accepted with a nod of his head. The man lit both cigarettes. Been here long? Shawbridge said after exuding smoke. About ten minutes Bill replied. Shawbridge smiled. I meant here at the Lodge?  Bill disliked small talk but said Six months. Shawbridge inhaled deeply.  Bill inhaled. He hoped the man was not going to be a small talker. My wife died Shawbridge said so I sold up and came here. Sorry about your loss Bill said eyeing the man briefly. Things happen Shawbridge said she'd been ill from sometime. Bill said no more. He could hear the far off rush of waves for some far away shore.