Being propelled into a new and strange area – many miles from friends and family – leaves one vulnerable, unsure and timid. The appearance of A.N. Other, who is confident in the surroundings and knowledgeable of the basic customs, culture and practices of daily life, instantly brightens the situation. When one has indulged in years of home improvement shows, purchased a property with encyclopaedic refurbishment needs, has a budget of 50p and encounters A.N. Other whose additional piece de resistance is that he’s a builder… Are you with me?
My builder’s standard line of, “Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out. I’ll look after you,” is a particularly potent one. Combine that with the link that we share a birthday, he has treated my two youngest sons as apprentices and I’m battling terminal loneliness, agoraphobia and paralysing depression, and A.N. Other transmutes into guardian angel; or so I thought.
The appearance, on Thursday, of a final bill 2-3 times more than expected, with no receipts or explanation has changed everything – or has it? On Monday evening, we look forward to discovering, from the man himself, how he has arrived at his total. When I know, I’ll let you know. But remember, “Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out…”!
