Good News Is No News

“Today’s main story – a bear has been sneaking into a bakery in Roccaraso, Italy, and eating the famous chocolate chip cookies. With more, here’s Maria.”

“Thanks, Steph. Yes I’m here in Roccaraso where the locals have been left with no cookies to eat with their espressos. The bear, dubbed “Il Cioccolato”, has been feasting on chocolate chip cookies at the local bakery. Hopes are high that he can be caught safely, and encouraged  to look elsewhere for his sweet treats. Back to you in the studio.”

“Thanks Maria! And now the weather with Brad.”

“Yes, Steph  – another hot and sunny day forecast, the perfect weather for the Test match today at Lords.”

I flicked the TV off, draining the dregs of a bitter, gritty cup of coffee. Flecks of limescale stuck to my tongue.

I put my coat on, the thick wool still damp from the day before. My waxed hat was looking worse for wear, dubbin showing cracks around the seams. I tapped the dust filters on my mask on the inside of the bin, shaking loose some of the scum trapped in it during yesterday’s futile jaunt. Strapping it over my mouth and nose, I stepped out into the damp smog outside. Thick grey clouds smeared the horizon like greasy hand prints. The flicker of artillery bombardment sparked against the darkness.

My car was moist from the thin drizzle, rusting quietly on the road. Probably drier outside than in, at this point. And no petrol to fill it anyway.

I thumbed an earbud into my ear, and my favourite podcast sparked back up.

“Welcome to The Doppio for today, March Twenty Third.  We have some insight and analysis for the main story for the day, the latter-day Yogi Bear, “Il Cioccolato”.”