Arthur stood up during the village play. His wife began clapping, and the audience followed.
The actor bowed, although his scene wasn’t finished.
Afterwards, he thanked Arthur for the standing ovation. He asked which part of the performance had moved him so deeply.
Arthur checked the message on his watch….
Arthur’s son bought him a watch that counted steps and sent him little messages. Arthur said a watch used to tell you when dinner was late, not give you jobs.
His son said the jobs were good for him.
On Friday, Arthur and his wife, Joan, went to the village play. Their neighbour, Simon, had the lead role. He had reminded them of this twice while collecting the bins.
Simon had also said there would be a powerful speech in the second half.
Arthur bought two programmes. Joan asked why he needed one each.
In case yours has the shorter speech.
They found their seats halfway down the hall.
The first half went well. A door stuck, but the actor behind it was meant to be trapped, so nobody minded. During the interval, Arthur bought an ice cream and Joan read about Simon’s powerful speech.
There was quite a lot about it.
In the second half, Simon walked to the front of the stage. He began talking about the old family home, the missing letters and everything he wished he had told his father.
Arthur listened carefully. He had nearly worked out whose father was involved when his wrist buzzed.
He looked down.
The watch wanted a little movement. Arthur had promised his son he would follow the reminders.
He stood slowly beside his seat.
Joan looked up. Then the people behind them looked up. Simon paused on the word forever.
Joan decided the least awkward thing was to clap.
The woman beside her joined in. A man in the front row turned, saw Arthur standing and got up too.
Within seconds, half the hall was applauding on its feet.
Simon put a hand to his chest. He bowed.
Behind the scenery, somebody whispered that he had another page to go.
Simon bowed again. The applause was louder than the whisper.
Arthur sat down. Joan gave him a look which he decided to discuss later.
After the show, Simon waited by the exit. He shook Arthur’s hand with both of his.
I knew that speech would reach somebody. You started the whole thing.
Arthur said he hadn’t meant to interrupt.
You didn’t interrupt. You responded.
Simon asked exactly what had moved him to his feet.
Arthur glanced at his watch. The message was still there.
You’ve been sitting too long.
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