Transcript

EXTRACT ONE [ELLA]: Did that parcel ever turn up? [JACK]: Yeah, it was with the new neighbours downstairs. The delivery message only said 'left in a safe place', so I checked the bins, the shed and even behind the plant pots. Then the woman downstairs knocked at nine with a huge box. [ELLA]: Why didn't she bring it up earlier? [JACK]: She'd been out all evening. The driver had handed it to her son, who forgot to mention it. Nothing was damaged, luckily, though the box was much bigger than the lamp inside. [ELLA]: Will you complain? [JACK]: No, I'll change the delivery instructions. I can ask them to use the corner shop, and it's open until ten. Actually, that's easier than wondering which neighbour has my stuff. I gave the family downstairs some chocolates because they had to keep the box in their hallway, and now at least we've finally introduced ourselves. The driver had also left a photograph, but it showed only the bottom of a door, so that didn't help much. The corner shop also sends a collection code, so I'll not need to guess whether something has arrived. EXTRACT TWO [RYAN]: Are you still going to that early gym class tomorrow? [SOFIA]: I'm, though I nearly lost my place. The app showed me as number two on the waiting list, then sent a confirmation while I was in a meeting. It said I had thirty minutes to accept, and I saw it with four minutes left. [RYAN]: That seems a bit harsh. [SOFIA]: Well, people book everything and don't turn up, so I understand it. I tapped accept, but the screen froze. I had to close the app and sign in again. Luckily the place was still there. [RYAN]: Have you done the class before? [SOFIA]: No. It's a circuit class, and the instructor says beginners can take it slowly. I'm going with Marta, which helps. If it's awful, at least we'll have breakfast afterwards. I've put my clothes by the door because at six in the morning I won't make sensible decisions. Oh, and I've set two alarms; the class fee isn't refundable if I sleep through it. Marta has promised to call me if I'm not outside the gym by quarter to seven. EXTRACT THREE [HUGO]: Did you buy that sofa from the online advert? [MINA]: Yes, but getting it home was ridiculous. The seller said it would fit through a standard doorway. It did fit through hers, because her doors slide sideways. At my flat we had to remove one of the little wooden feet. [HUGO]: Was the sofa worth all that? [MINA]: I think so. The covers come off and they're in the washing machine now. There's a pale mark on one cushion, but I can turn it over. The frame feels solid, and it cost less than half the new price. [HUGO]: Who helped you carry it? [MINA]: My cousin and one of his friends. I paid them in pizza. We borrowed a van for two hours, although the seller lived only ten minutes away. I measured the living room carefully, but I completely forgot the narrow turn at the top of the stairs. Anyway, it's in place now, and the room finally looks like somewhere people can sit rather than a collection of boxes. [HUGO]: Are you buying anything else online? [MINA]: Not until my back stops hurting. The seller gave me the spare cushion covers as well, which are still in a bag because I've run out of washing space. I've kept the van company number because the move itself was easy once we reached the building.