Warmth
Written by Chris Johnston-Tierney
Edited for FalWriting by Tabby Smith
Image Credit: Max Fleischmann via Unsplash
Stories rarely happen in isolation
It’s 5:14pm in Plzeň and the security guard at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery has just said goodbye to the final tour group — waving as they leave through the stone arches. Jakub was dog-tired but as always did a wonderful job of hiding this. He had such a charming way about him, and tourists were immediately taken with his patter. Although he’s unaware of it, this is the only reason Jakub has not been fired.
Drunk by lunchtime most days, and even in a new uniform Jakub somehow manages to appear unkempt — a contrast against the polished surroundings of the brewery which does not go unnoticed. His facial hair sits permanently between stubble and beard, and he owns no socks without holes. Jakub finds it difficult to think too far into the future.
One hundred and two kilometres away in Prague, Jakub’s wife Jana is drinking in a backstreet bar with Jiři, her male colleague; legs leaning comfortably against each other - folded arms resting on top of the table. They never order Pilsner Urquell, even though it’s Jiři’s favourite. The table is narrow, so they can kiss without leaning too far forward. Jiři and Jana meet in various locations like this after work, and have done for nearly two years.
By 8pm, Jiři will be in the intensive care unit at University Hospital in Motol, on life support. Jana will have been declared dead, and Jakub will be at home — asleep in his favourite chair, with a glass of beer in his hand. It will spill when the phone rings.
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It’s 5:14pm in Matthew’s modest office in Charles University. He unlocks the door after trying on a new salmon-coloured polo shirt — a daring colour for him. He’ll wear it this evening for drinks with his new colleague, Iain. This will be the last time it is worn.
They head to a medieval-themed tavern where the beer is served in impressive looking tankards. Iain will be disappointed that these are security-chipped. Matthew once again notes Iain’s proclivity for ‘questionable’ behaviour. He is, however, grateful to finally have an English-speaking friend. Matthew thinks of his wife Lena and their daughter Leia; how he wouldn’t want Iain around them; how his wife would disapprove of Iain’s lifestyle — mainly the infidelity and the drug-taking, but also the ‘souvenirs’ he acquires.
After the third drink, all will be forgotten, and Matthew will begin to remember what it’s like to be single. Decades later, as an old man, Matthew will lament his decision to go out with Iain rather than taking his family to the theatre. He never forgives himself for enjoying feeling single.
At 7:11pm, outside the National Theatre, an intoxicated Jiři fails to stop his car at a pedestrian crossing. He is rushed, unconscious, to hospital, along with his deceased passenger.
The second ambulance leaves with two passengers — a mother and daughter. The driver exits Legií bridge slowly. No lights. No siren. After his shift, he cries in his wife’s arms.