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Words of Warning by David Griffiths I awoke that day with the most terrible, terrible headache. I impulsively got dressed and headed for the kitchen to remedy my pain. I stopped next to the sink and poured a glass of water. It was when I opened the cupboard beside me I received my first shock; all my groceries had been replaced with assorted cans and cartons, which read “Village Groceries” and above this sported a picture of a Penny Farthing. I couldn’t understand. Why would anybody do such a bizarre thing? A strange sense of foreboding filled me as I opened the curtains to reveal the most beautiful landscape I had ever envisioned. The sun shone high above the distant mountains and before me stood buildings of the most splendid architecture towering over the freshly cut grass. “Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!” announced a female voice, “and what a beautiful day it is!” I watched and listened as the inhabitants of this small community miraculously began their daily routine, whilst the female voice announced flavour of the day was “strawberry”. A phone rang behind me so I turned to answer it. “Hello?” I asked curiously. “Good morning to you! I wonder if you’d care to join me for breakfast. Number Two. The Green Dome.” Of course my curiosity got the better of me and I left my new apartment – which had a sign outside which read Number 18, Private – and proceeded through the glorious scenery towards The Green Dome. The people around me wore black blazers with a white stripe around the edges. Each had a badge with a picture of a Penny Farthing on and a number – I presume you’ve noticed? Some wore brightly coloured capes and occasionally greeted me with a courteous “lovely day!” or “good morning!” What a pleasant community we have here! Anyway, when I arrived at the Green Dome, Number Two informed me of his desire to retrieve information from me. A process I’m sure you’ll become aware of my friend. Well of course, there were many who would desire to retrieve my information. It was made clear to me that if I provided Number Two with the relevant information I could live out the rest of my life in this beautiful Village. Did I give him my information you ask? It took a few days to think it over, I assure you, but in the end I provided him with every last detail. He thanked me for the information and assured me it would not be put to waste. I was now accepted into this wonderful community you see before you, working as a reporter for the “Tally Ho” for quite some time. As you may have realised it did not take long for me to climb the ladder of success. It was after the rather unfortunate death of our old Number Two that I was asked by Number One to take the post of the new Number Two. Naturally I accepted immediately. So as you can see my dear boy, there is always room for improvement. Accept the Village and perhaps even you could be called upon as the new Number Two. Escape? Ha! There is no escape! Rover sees to that but you’ve met him already haven’t you? There have of course been attempts. Number Six here is our prime example but we have him pacified for the moment. Did I ever try to escape? Absolutely not! It’s un-mutual not to mention impossible! …. Besides I like it here… What do we want? Well obviously my boy we want information. Tell us what we want and stay in our tranquil little Village. Be Seeing You… …you can count on it. |