<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second half was in full swing when Pat started to feel peculiar. There were shadows of lions rearing up and pawing. The images seemed to fade in and out of her vision, and there was a strange, unpleasant smell. She clasped Ron\u2019s hand more tightly, and he looked at her. \u2018What\u2019s the matter darlin\u2019? You look pale, are you not feeling well?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018It\u2019s strange Ron. I keep seeing shadows of lions appearing and disappearing at the back of the stage and there\u2019s a weird fusty smell.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018It\u2019s probably just the lighting and someone\u2019s smelly feet,\u2019 Ron smiled but didn\u2019t like to admit he had noticed elephant shadows moving in and out of his vision. He didn\u2019t want to worry her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She felt more reassured, \u2018Yeah you\u2019re probably right, maybe too many rum and cokes.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They sat hand in hand as Mother Goose drew to a happy ending followed by Christmas carols which the audience could sing along to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The friends met up in the foyer. \u2018That was great, Joyce, I just love happy endings.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Och, you\u2019re such a softie but it was good and I loved the carols at the end.\u2019 Joyce had her arm linked through Barry\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Did either of you notice anything odd at the back of the stage?\u2019 Barry looked strained in the bright light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Yeah, I saw the shadows of lions and there was a strange smell.\u2019 Pat sounded anxious. \u2018Ron said it could be the lighting and someone\u2019s smelly feet but it made me feel weird,\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018I thought I\u2019d had a pint too many when I saw horses dancing about but Joyce saw animals too,\u2019 replied Barry uneasily. \u2018Only she saw elephants.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ron tried to avoid looking at his pals as uneasiness crept over him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Anyway I need to go to the toilet before we head out, boys.\u2019 Joyce headed upstairs to the Ladies followed by the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018See you in the corridor here,\u2019 said Ron as the boys headed to the Gents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018I don\u2019t want this night to end Joyce, Ron is just a pet. He\u2019s so caring. I\u2019d love to go steady with him.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018God, you have got it bad, you\u2019ve only just met him! Mind you Barry\u2019s okay, maybe I\u2019ve been a bit harsh on him. He\u2019s cute with his long curls.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018You\u2019d better watch Joyce, you\u2019re getting soft!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The girls headed out of the Ladies, arm in arm. They looked around for the boys and spotted them further along the corridor standing outside a closed door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018What on earth are you doing?\u2019 shouted Joyce as they approached the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Sssh,\u2019 Ron answered quietly, \u2018we heard strange noises while we were waiting for you and they seem to be coming from behind this door. They\u2019re not happy noises, sounds like something may be trapped in the room.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want to know more? This story and other can be found on<\/em> The Low Road: A Celebration of Dundee’s Nethergate, available on this website.
Or you can download a PDF of the story here: –<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n