Chapter 1

Madge Matthews walked into the kitchen, paused, closed one eye, and thought for a moment. What had she come in here for? She glanced across at the cooker. No, she hadn't left the gas on. The kettle wasn't boiling, and the back door was locked. She shook her head at her forgetfulness and turned to leave, but stopped.
          'Pork chop!'
          Opening the freezer door, Madge was greeted by a swirling, icy mist. She pulled out each drawer and rummaged through the frozen packets and boxes. After several grunts, groans, and clicks of her knees, she finally found what she was looking for.
          'Out you come, you know you want to!' she said, yanking out a lump of frosty meat.
          Several more grunts and she forced the door shut just as the phone rang.
          She picked up the receiver. 'Hello.'
          'Is that you, Madge?'
          Madge sniffed the chop and wrinkled her nose. 'Who did you ring?'
          'I rang you.'
          'Well, it must be me, then.'
          'Oh, yes. Of course, silly me. Hello, Madge. It's me, Hilda.'
                    Madge tutted. 'Yes...Hello, Hilda. What do I owe the pleasure?'
          'I'm just ringing to remind you about your doctor's appointment. I know you won't mind me saying this, but you have been a little forgetful of late.'
          'How dare you? We might have been friends since school, but that could soon end. If anyone's forgetful it's you,' said Madge, squinting at the calendar hanging on the back of the door.
          'Yes, just as I thought. I've written it down— nine o'clock with Dr Jessop.'
          'So, what are you doing at home?'
          'I'm getting a chop out of the freezer for my dinner.'
          'Oh, lovely, I'm having yesterday's leftovers shepherd's pie.'
          'Thrilling! Is there anything else? Or do you have any more important newsflashes?'
          'No. I don't think so. I just rang to remind you about your appointment. Oh, and did you put your clocks forward yesterday?'
          Madge glanced at the clock on the wall.
          'Ah...'
          'I was only asking because it's a quarter to nine now. If you're getting the bus into town, you'd better hurry.'
          'Eh...'
          'Oh, sorry, Madge, I've got to go, the postman's knocking. I'll meet you in the cafe later. Bye!'
          Madge hung up.
          She grabbed her coat, and with the chop in hand, rushed out the door.