They couldn’t remember whose idea it was originally, but even after a couple of months, it was a brilliant idea nevertheless.

The whole problem started when the Corner Cafe closed due to the lack of business or some other sorry excuse. There were not many other options to socialise in their part of the town. Gladys, the eldest, blamed the council cuts. Mary blamed Margaret Thatcher. In her opinion, it was then when Great Britain stopped being great. It was still unclear what was Thatcher’s role exactly in the case of the closing of the Corner Cafe. Emily didn’t have a really clear view on the subject, though she suggested going to the British Legion for their afternoon tea.

“That’s for the old people.” Gladys dismissed the suggestion as she always did if the idea was not her own ever since the day they met at school 70 years ago.

And so here they were, sitting in an abandoned bus shed all three huddled together to keep warm on a rainy afternoon. Gladys felt it was typical. Due to the council cuts, there were so few buses going that they could sit there for hours practically undisturbed.

Mary always pointed out the graffiti on the walls, clear sign of the deterioration of the school system — yet another example of the disastrous effect of the Thatcher era on the society. They trusted her on this topic, after all, she was a retired teacher.

Emily was quite happy the shelter was conveniently located almost equal distance to each house they lived in. It only seemed fair. She didn’t mind the run down look. Plus the dogs could roam freely around, so this counted as a walk as well.

“Another tea?” Emily asked happily as she was pouring her a second cup.

“Already?” Gladys looked at her still a half-full cup.

“Yes, please.” Mary passed her cup to Emily. When she saw Gladys face, she added: “What? You didn’t need to tell us the whole episode of Eastenders. I just asked what happened to Jane.” Emily was suppressing a smile. It was the same all the time.

Gladys frowned. “Alright, what’s new then?” She looked pointedly at her two friends.

It was true they were a bit hungry for news. Any news. Despite they complained about the rising crime rates and unemployment, it simply didn’t seem to produce any newsworthy events in the area. The latest incident was a supposed robbery at Mr Khan’s off-licence, but that turned out just being a prank pulled out by the oldest McLarie kid. Suffice the say, they moved out of the area soon after.

Mary thought about the news for a moment. Nothing came to her mind really, then she remembered of an advertisement she saw on the television. “You know, I hope we will simply leave.”

Both Gladys and Emily looked confused. Leave? Leave this little town? Leave where to? The horror of the unknown. Leave for the city? I mean, they have a funny accent over there and all those things that could HAPPEN to you there…

“The European union, I mean.” Mary added when she saw Gladys’ and Emily’s confused faces. They calmed down. The union, of course. Or the Scotland could leave the United Kingdom. Or the Welsh could go — Gladys felt dizzy at that thought. Secretly she had some distant relatives in Port Talbot, though they were so removed, she considered herself practically English, even when England lost in rugby and it was only Wales alone left to fight for the Six Nations.She supported them purely it was better than France.

Gladys finished finally her cup. “Can I have some more?” She asked Emily who still held the flask.

“I am afraid we ran out of tea.” Emily said unhappily. Gladys sighted. She thought it was typical. Mary sighted. The flasks probably got smaller in the Thatcher era to undermine British steel industry. Emily felt it was a bit nippy, sitting all afternoon in the bus shed.

“Next week the same time?” She asked her friends. They all nodded eagerly.

“See you then girls. And remember we need to keep up with the news.” Gladys instructed them as she walked away. And who knows, maybe there will be some news next week. And who knows, maybe there will be even nice weather. And who knows, maybe even the bus might come. Although, Emily thought she was just getting carried away.