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Never forget a face

Steve had always prided himself on never forgetting a face. Even his friends had noticed over the years his uncanny ability to remember people, and in particular, where he had seen them. 'Did Tom go to Dan and Belinda's party? Some one would comment. 'Yes' said Steve and he would always be right. And it did not seem to matter whether he had actually spoken to someone or not, if he had walked past them at a party, in a park or at the leisure centre he would remember.

So it was very annoying one morning when he saw a face he recognised but could not place. He was sitting having breakfast with his girlfriend Jill. It was half term week and Jill, who taught at a local primary school, had a few days off. Steve's shift at the leisure centre, where he was a life guard and swimming teacher, did not start until 10 o'clock, so they were having a leisurely breakfast with the TV on in the background.

During the local news bulletin a rather fuzzy CCTV picture flashed up on the screen. There had been another robbery at one of the smaller supermarket come corner shops in town. The second in three weeks. “I know that guy” exclaimed Steve “now where have I seen him....?”

But try as he might he could not remember where he had seen 'the face'. “Don't keep thinking about it” said Jill “if you just get on with your usual things it will probably come back to you”.

Steve went off to work at half past nine. He had quite a busy day ahead, there were the school holiday swimming courses from 10 until 12, a public swimming session 12 to 2, a 50's plus session 2 to 3.30, and then two Birthday parties before the pool opened again to the public at 6 o'clock when his shift finished. During the day Steve thought several times about the face but still could not remember where he had seen the man.

On his way home from work Steve called in at Halfords as Jill had noticed the day before that one of his brake lights was not working. As he selected the pack of bulbs he needed, surrounded by car parts and accessories, his brain made the connection and he instantly remembered that he had seen 'the face' at Mick Tylers workshop when he had taken his car for its MOT and service four weeks ago. He could clearly recall seeing the man standing at the back of the workshop.

Steve drove to the police station, having fixed in his new bulb first. He explained about watching the news that morning and told them that he had seen the man working at Mick Tylers the previous month. The policeman on reception had taken the information down and thanked Steve politely, if sceptically.

However, the next day, Steve received a phone call.......'quite an incredible memory you have sir, yes we will be charging him, he still had the money and cigarettes at his flat. The Inspector says you must be one of those super recognizers, apparently only two per cent of people can remember faces they've only ever seen once.

Steve didn't know about that, but with 30 kids every half an hour for swimming lessons in term time and scanning people in the pool when on life guard duty, he knew that his memory was good. He never forgot a face.

© Jackie Lewis 2017

LITTLE LOTTIE LONG EARS

Little Lottie Long ears
so small, so sweet, so innocent.
Pitter patter tiny paws,
slipping, sliding our of doors.

Little Lottie pounces,
courageous as a lion.
Eating twig and chasing leaf,
running off like a thief.

Little floppy Lottie,
tired, collapsed into a heap.
Snoring gently in her sleep,
with her toys around her feet.

Little hungry Lottie,
rushes this way and that.
Whirling circles, then falls flat,
attack the bowl and woof it back.

Little loving Lottie,
licking all she greets.
Snuggle, cuddle, nibble, chew,
little face looks up at you.

© Jackie Lewis 2016