Phrase Writers Group

At every Phrase Writers meeting we are given (optional) homework, a subject or phrase to inspire a story or poem.

This week's subject -- Having a terrible ...

MAKING DO

“This is terrible” wailed a distraught Toni, wandering through her walk-in wardrobe. “I have nothing to wear”.

Her husband sighed inwardly. He had extended the wardrobe, at the expense of his beloved wine cellar, its treasures now residing in the garden shed.

He shuddered at the thought of his vintage Bolly nestled up with last year’s cauliflower and next year’s spuds. And still Toni’s clothes needed more space.

* * * * *

Toby grimaced as he approached the start line. He hadn’t had a good week. The preparation for his first half marathon had been going so well. Six months of it. Three runs a week, two on week days and a long run on Sunday. Gradually building up the speed and distance. And the all important tapering in the last 2 weeks, reducing the mileage so he would be fresh for the race. His first ever, and a 13 mile half marathon at that. And here he was, race day, and he felt like a school boy quivering outside the Headmaster’s study.

* * * * *

“I need more room for my wardrobe” declared Toni. “There’s nowhere to put anything.”

She looked at her husband’s downcast face, and softened hers. “I really appreciate your sacrifices Arth. Giving up your library and all those precious first editions, and your study with your carefully curated paintings. All to extend my wardrobe.”

Her husband thought about his garden shed, the only one in the street with an upstairs, book shelves and paintings on all walls including the ceilings.

“That extension you built last year on the garage is wonderful” continued Toni. “Just big enough for my shoes, bags and some accessories. But I need more space. You do understand, don’t you?”

“Yes dear”. If he had a penny for every time he had said those two words during their time together, he could buy next door’s sprawling bungalow complex for the ultimate walk-in wardrobe.

* * * * *

Toby looked around as runners joined the start. So many were wearing their club vests and shirts, and doing warm up exercises. Toby jogged slowly, stretching arms and legs.

“Hi there.”

Toby looked round, to see another runner with a white shirt and shorts like his.

“Your first time too?” they asked.

“Yes” said Toby, adding “though I wished I’d added my name to the shirt like you have Steve. I’m Toby.”

“Great to meet you Toby. How about we run together. Make a change from all that training on my own.”

“Tell me about it Steve. Or rather don’t! We’ll have 90 minutes or so to chat, lots to cover.”

* * * * *

“I’ll just make do” said Toni. “Always have, always will. Now I need a glamorous but practical outfit to go out in. Any suggestions Arth?”

Her other half considered. Toni often asked him, but chose her own ensemble. He applauded her dress sense, knowing it was outside his comfort zone.

“What time are you going out?”

“Need to be at the park in 2 hours. Plenty of time.”

“Don’t forget the clocks went forward today” said her spouse. “And it takes 20 minutes to drive to the park.”

“What? Don’t just stand there. Run a bath. Get the car out. I’ll never be ready in time.”

“Calm down. Make yourself even more beautiful, you’ll be fine.”

* * * * *

The race started with Toby and Steve proudly setting off. Waves of runners surged past them. No point in trying to compete with them. Running 13 miles was one heck of a challenge, just keep going one step at a time.

Toby had read somewhere that chatting was the best way of regulating your breathing. And if you started gasping then slow down till you got your breath back. Steve was great to run with, and the miles flew by.

They were quietly chuffed to pass some runners who had overtaken them at the start, and were gasping by the roadside.

Steve saw a hill ahead of them. “Don’t worry about this hill Toby. Looks long but we can handle it. Trick is to look straight ahead. Don’t look up the hill or you’ll psyche yourself out.”

“Right Steve. You’ve been right on other running matters too, wish I’d met you earlier.”

“I’ve been reading Runners World. I hear there’s a running club in the next town. Why don’t we join it?”

“Great idea Steve. Was thinking about doing a marathon.”

“Whoa, steady the buffs! Maybe try a 10K. Don’t have to train twelve months for that. And the club will have training sessions to improve our speed, endurance. Plus lots of tips on running. And meet other running addicts.”

“Like the sound of that” said Toby. “Hey look, we’re at the top of the hill.”

* * * * *

Toni rushed round her over extensive wardrobe, looking but finding nothing. Why hadn’t she sorted everything out? Kept meaning to, but always putting off organising her ever-increasing wealth of clothing and accessories.

Can’t worry about that now, she chided herself. Stop. Think.

Trainers. Need those. New as well, that’s good.

Track suit bottoms. Nope, don’t have those. Still these jimjams will be a good substitute.

Come on Toni, what else. Don’t have any T shirts. Wait, my favourite gold silk top, that’s perfect.

Her husband called up the stairs “Are you ready Toni?”

“A few more minutes Arth. Need some finishing touches.”

* * * * *

Toby and Steve got to mile 12.

“That’s it Steve, the furthest I’ve ever run. 11 miles was my longest training run. I can walk the rest.”

“No way Toby, we started together and we’ll finish at a sprint. Or maybe stagger, but we’re running all the way.”

“Right you are Steve. Phew, glad you kept me from temptation.”

The final mile was over in a haze of glory. Toby shook hands with Steve and arranged a celebratory drink that evening. Might need a taxi to the pub next door.

Toby looked up to see his best friend. Toni always made an effort to look special for their meetings. She was a classy lady with style in spades.

“Hi Toni, you look great.”

“I’m having a terrible day” sobbed a breathless Toni.

Toby’s weary face smiled. “You always make my day”