What are you doing? Sucking the head of your parasol! Have you not breakfasted? Take that piece of ivory from your mouth! To suck it is unlady-like, and let me tell you, excessively unbecoming. Rosy lips and pearly teeth can be put to better use.

I can’t fathom how anyone let you think this was alright. Of course, an awkward instant and the first animal is jettisoned. Legs furiously pumping.

I got dropped. From way high up. Hard. And I sit there in front of you making appetizers like all is calm. Of course, not an awkward instant in this lonely abandoned room.

That’s the problem with drinking, I thought, as I poured myself a drink. If something bad happens you drink in an attempt to forget; If something good happens you drink in order to celebrate; and if nothing happen you drink to make something happen.