YOU are number ten in the call queue." Craig's heart sank.
Ten? Y How was that possible? They'd only been open for five minutes.
He put the phone back to his ear.
For several moments, he listened to the piano tinkling in the background.
It was such a lovely piece of music, it was almost a shame to use it for something like this.
The music stopped.
"We're sorry to keep you waiting. Please hold the line. Your call is important to us." The pianist began again.
Craig listened, his brow furrowed. What film was that from? Walking across to the kettle, he pushed the button, then turned his attention back to the phone.
The music was still in full flow. Suddenly, it stopped.
"You are number eight in the call queue. We're sorry to keep you waiting. Please hold the line." Craig let out a groan. All this for a robot.
If only he could have checked online. It wasn't the best day for their website to freeze.
Perhaps it would be better to do it the oldfashioned way, and go into town to see if they had one in the shops.
He was suddenly filled with determination.
His grandson wanted a Technobot and he was going to do everything in his power to get him one.
Of course, it would have helped if it hadn't been the most popular toy this Christmas.
Craig thought of Toby, now seven years old, and love flooded over him, just as it had all those years ago when his mother had been born.
The music on the phone stopped. Craig took a breath.
"Hello?" "You are number six in the call queue. We're sorry to keep you waiting. Please hold the line." Craig looked down at his wife Sue's photograph, and in that instant he knew exactly what she would. have done.
With a firm press on the button, the music disappeared.
An hour later, Craig was walking along a crisp and frosty high street, weaving his way through the crowds.
Denne historien er fra December 03, 2022-utgaven av The People's Friend.
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Denne historien er fra December 03, 2022-utgaven av The People's Friend.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
It captured everyone's imagination
A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.
The UK has amazing marine life
Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.
It's About Time
Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!
A Breath Of Country Air
Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.
A Test Of Courage
Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?
We Work Together
Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...
The Art Of Laughter
Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.
Life After Linda
It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...
Lovely Glen Lochay
Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.