Tuesday, 17 January 2017

THE VISIT. PART 2.






This solid building which, externally, seemed not to betray the importance of its daily business, which is to help one set of unfortunately people to keep in touch with with another set of probably even more unfortunate humans. This building, which, like the main one in which the visit would be taking place, did not really stand out, from the outside. 

It did not loudly speaks of any foreboding, of the misery which ordinary humans, at some time in their living, might be fated to experience. There was nothing to suggest its existence could give rise to despair and unhappiness.

Inside it was decked with spacious armchairs and settees which have been well maintained, and its walls, decorated with children-friendly pictures, as well as posters and notices explaining the importance of the building and the work it and its functionaries or workers are engaged in. 


All three of them sat and mad themselves comfortable, observing the decor and the few other waiting visitors, who, like them would have the commonality of a sad story to account for why they were at this particular place at this time. In this clearly well maintained place. 

At the appointed time, which was arranged so that, hopefully, all the necessary formalities could be completed in time to allow the visitors to have the full duration of their visit, or as much of it as possible, everybody joined the queue to be booked in. Identification documents they had to show, as the young female staff carefully checked their personal particulars and asked, each in turn, for them to press their left index finger against the electronic finger printing device. 


Now, said she, looking from her secure work station, and bringing to mind a Kafkaesque imagery, stand on that small square outline on the floor, and look ahead, so that I can have your photo taken. He did as she instructed, furtively looking at the wall in from of him and the ceiling above him, for a camera which was not clearly, at first, obvious. 

Why did he not think, he might have wondered, that she, this softly spoken and comely and polite young woman, is doing all of this for his own good, so that, in case something untoward should befall him on this visit, she will have his finger print and a photo of his distinguish looking face to assist any enquiries? But it was only a jestful thought, as he have been here before, and was au fait with this necessary protocol.

The reception area, notwithstanding the solidity of the building, was, in its own way and in comparison with other institutions of this nature, had the appearance of a soft and warm character, which despite the bureaucracy which must be a part of its procedure, was not devoid of humanity. It has an ordinariness and non-threatening atmosphere about it. 


To be continued.





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