Des and Joan lived next door to Mother when she moved to her house some thirty five years ago. Joan left Des and he was lonely. He brought out a Filipina bride and she and Des lived next door to Mother for many years. They had their own children. Des died, leaving his widow to her own devices. Like many Asian born women, she is quite competent at looking after herself and now at the age of around sixty, she is still working.
Des and Joan showed Mother many kindnesses when she was on her own before she met Step Father. Step Father was kind to them too when he came on the scene. When Des was left alone, Mother and Step Father were very supportive, as they were when he brought his Filipina bride to live with him.
When Des died, Step Father especially and Mother were very kind and supportive to the FB. When Step Father died, FB was very supportive to Mother. They are now two widows living side by side who had very different beginnings in life, but are connected in their loneness and they know they need to help each other. So much for Mother's statement so many years ago, 'ah, Des has got one of those Philippine users from Thailand or somewhere'. I guess you well and truly have the gist now.
The FB returned last week from the hospital where she works and then popped down the street to get some items from the supermarket. Within half an hour she returned home and when she opened her front door, things were scattered on the floor and she could hear noises. She relocked the door and went into Mother's and they called the police.
The police could not immediately attend so Mother and FB bravely or foolishly went inside the house. Of course the robbers had long gone, seemingly bolting after hearing the door the first time. There was no cash to be had, only some expensive jewellery, which they missed and three expensive watches and a new camera, which they did not miss.
Two old widows slept alone that night, separated by a paling fence, both with their windows closed and lights on. FB summoned her daughter to come and stay with her. Mother summoned ABI Brother to come and stay with her.
As for the police, fail. They arrived two hours after being called. Widows afraid and in distress are apparently not a high priority for the local and probably understaffed police station.
'Mate, did a burg today, but fuck all there. Just a load of shit and useless fuckin' watches. Fuckin' shit town with nothin' worth stealing. Fuckin' Asians are suppose to keep cash in their houses. Fuckin' nothin'.'
Ah well lads. You did achieve something. You traumatised two older women. Nice work.