The Grave Digger

A short tale of an impossible love:-

The rain was coming down in torrents and Manda had set to work, taking full advantage of the soft ground. He was engrossed in the task of shovelling until an unfamiliar voice got his attention.

"Mr. Manda?!"

He paused for a second at first trying to process things. This dulcet voice sounded nought like any of his inner voices.

Well then look up genius!

Manda tilted his head up and his eyes met a shivering woman. He took in her far from casual outfit and the notepad she held above her head.

The journalist?

Uh

But Arnold said she was gonna be a he!

Well say something genius!

He leaned against the handle of the shovel. "Yes...miss?"

"Well if you had preferred for the interview to be conducted out here you should have articulated that previously. I'll meet you at thirteen hours tomorrow here...if that's alright with you of course." Choolwe tried to conceal her seething through clenched teeth and a smile that didn't quite reach her ears.

Slightly taken aback, a nod was all Manda could respond with. She turned on her heel as quickly as her shaking body could allow her and slowly walked away. Her heels sunk in the mud with every step but she powered through it.

Manda caught himself staring in amusement. A smile had formed across his face.

She's a persistent one.

Pesky Journalists; they all are!

Don't know what to make of this one though.

We'll see if she's worth our time tomorrow.

"Indeed we shall."

He got back to his shovelling.