Extract from the Ragley School Logbook: Friday, 23 March 1979 ‘AH’D NEED A miracle,’ said Ruby. ‘Something will turn up,’ said Vera optimistically. ‘Maybe your Ronnie will get a job this week.’ Ruby picked up Vera’s litter bin and emptied the contents into her black bag. ‘An’ pigs might fly, beggin’ y’pardon, Miss Evans,’ she said, replacing the bin with a clatter. It was shortly before nine o’clock on the morning of Friday, 23 March, and Ruby did not look her usual happy self. ‘So how much do these new wardrobes cost, Ruby?’ asked Vera. Ruby had brought a furniture catalogue into school. She put it on Vera’s desk and opened it at the bedroom furniture section. ‘A ’undred pounds, Miss Evans, an’ they’re on sale in MI5,’ said Ruby. Vera did not correct Ruby’s mistake. Instead she studied the MFI catalogue and then passed it over to me.
