Out Of Sight
The People's Friend|September 10, 2022
When it came to fine print, Ernestine's reading glasses seemed the only solution ...
EIRIN THOMPSON
Out Of Sight

I THINK they make you look intelligent," Ginny remarked.

"I am intelligent!" Ernestine snapped. "Are you saying I looked like some sort of mug before?"

"Of course not. But lots of people our age need reading glasses - it's no big deal." But it was a big deal for Ernestine.

When she put them on, she was not happy with what she saw in the mirror.

She was quite clear about what she didn't like in this world: young men who fitted exhausts the width of chimney flues to their cars before racing up and down the street, people who called her "Ernie", and wearing glasses.

All three were terrible. Just terrible.

It was bad enough wearing them at home, where no-one else could see her.

Worse still was going into her work at the bank for the first time, where everybody was bound to notice and have something to say.

To Ernestine's surprise, she drew no comments for the first hour.

Then Danielle, her young colleague, passed by her desk.

"I love your specs, Ernestine. Where did you get them?"

None of the men uttered a word about them, but Ernestine had to admit that she'd possibly earned herself the reputation of being a bit fierce towards  the opposite sex.

Ernestine conceded inwardly that dealing with documents was much easier than it had been before, now that she was wearing glasses.

She was just coming round to the idea of them when a small child's voice came shrilly across the counter at her.

"Mummy, look! Doesn't that lady look like Granny?" the child exclaimed.

Glancing up automatically, Ernestine saw, to her horror, that the child's finger was pointing straight at her!

Ernestine was a bit of a grouch for the rest of the morning. Then she had an idea.

On her lunch break, she returned to the optician's.

"I'm not a spectacles wearer," she explained to the young assistant. "Not a real one. I just need mine for fine print, you understand.

Denne historien er fra September 10, 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.

Denne historien er fra September 10, 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.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE PEOPLE'S FRIENDSe alt
It captured everyone's imagination
The People's Friend

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 25, 2023
The UK has amazing marine life
The People's Friend

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 25, 2023
It's About Time
The People's Friend

It's About Time

Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
A Breath Of Country Air
The People's Friend

A Breath Of Country Air

Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 25, 2023
A Test Of Courage
The People's Friend

A Test Of Courage

Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 25, 2023
We Work Together
The People's Friend

We Work Together

Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
The Art Of Laughter
The People's Friend

The Art Of Laughter

Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 25, 2023
Life After Linda
The People's Friend

Life After Linda

It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
The People's Friend

ES! There in the corner are the speakers

In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...

time-read
2 mins  |
February 25, 2023
Lovely Glen Lochay
The People's Friend

Lovely Glen Lochay

Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.

time-read
6 mins  |
February 25, 2023