A Cup of Tea: The Truth Is.

Time for a Cup of Tea

The Truth Is

A Short Story

By Gwen Leane

The taxi pulled up before the Maid and Magpie Hotel. The cab door open and David Anstey alighted.

‘Don’t worry too much, mate. It will work out for you,’ the cab driver said as he handed David some change.

David hurried inside and up to the bar, ordering a double whiskey. Nobody dared say a word. Davvid’s face was dark as a thundercloud, a murderous gleam flashed from his eyes. The patrons just sat and watched astounded as he downed whiskey after whiskey for the rest of the afternoon.

The afternoon was well passed its zenith, the bartender was anxious and asked, ‘What’s the matter, mate? Your wife ran off with your best friend? The cat ate your canary?’ A nervous twitter emanated from the patrons as they waited for an explosion of anger.

David glanced savagely around the room and their faces changed shape immediately looking in another direction.

The bartender emboldened asked again, ‘Your girlfriend turfed you out,’

The patrons gave a louder titter, this time.

David gave the bartender a murderous glare, ‘Shut up, can’t you, and let a man drown in his whiskey.’

The bartender turned to serve another customer, ‘What’s the matter with him.’

‘I wish I knew. Must be bad,’ the bartender shrugged.

‘The truth is,’ David hiccupped into his empty whiskey glass, ‘The truth is, I am a mouse, a fruitcake, and a cookie in a jar. I am not who you think I am,’

‘Come on, mate, it can’t be that bad,’ the bartender exclaimed kindly. Everyone in the room held their collective breath waiting for the tragic news of an earthquake triggering a tsunami. ’The truth is,’ said David Anstey as he pulled himself upright and staggered towards the door, great sobs wracked his body. "The truth is, I am Batman, and I have lost Robyn.’