Eric's greeting

I’ve been off work ill for a while. I was in the office quite early. Eric came in and headed straight for the coffee machine.
“Ed’s back! …How are you Ed? Are you better mate.”
“Yes I’m much better thanks.”
“I’m pleased to see you back.”
“You too.”
“That’s a lie really isn’t it? You’re not really happy to see me again.”
I left him to walk away quietly, dejected.


Later on when Clive came in he was happy again.
“I saw you last night Clive.”
“Where were you?”
“Ducking behind a counter in Sainsburys,... when I saw you.”