I glare at the driver, sullenly thrusting the fare into his hand.
‘And a merry Christmas to you too, luv!’
As I turn away I hear him mutter, ‘Miserable bitch.’ but I don’t care, I just want to get into my apartment and shut the door on all of it but even as I put my key in the lock of the communal front door I realise the impossibility of shutting it out altogether. The hallway is festooned with streamers and a small Christmas tree with an obligatory Guiding Star on the top twinkles sarcastically at me.
‘Amelia, there you are; what do you think?’ Mrs Lewis waves her hand to encompass the display, ‘Paula in the top flat helped me decorate. Doesn’t it look lovely?’
‘Yes, it’s very pretty. I’m sorry, Mrs Lewis but I’m dreadfully tired; I really must get to bed.’
‘Of course my dear, you y
