Found Out – A one shot story

The year before, the health service had offered free Covid and Flu jabs for folk of a certain age and becoming more aware of the advancing years I had availed myself. Come the same time the following year and my partner suggested I take a short break from the full on home office work and ‘pop’ down to the ‘pop up’ clinic.

You know you’re an addict when the question isn’t shall I take one, but how many shall I take. Minimum requirement is usually one digital and at least one film, but it often goes beyond that. On this occasion there was need to travel light and there was a camera bag still in the hall from an early morning walk. Contents: 1 Canon 5D mkii and a newly refurbished Kodak Retinette iiB.

Jingle the keys a little and make a bit of noise putting shoes on. All so she won’t hear me pick up the camera bag in the hall as I head out the front door. Walk as fast as possible into town, so if it went smoothly at the clinic, there would be time for a few photos on the way back.

At the door of the vaccination centre and the first question is my date of birth. Polite shaking of heads and apologies follow. Yes I qualified the year before, but to save money post Covid, ‘they’ had pushed the eligibility out of my reach. No time to hang around for a more detailed explanation. Heading off quickly on a circuitous route back to base, the little Kodak Retinette at the ready. There would have to be a revealing of the fact I was turned away at the clinic door, but that might explain the delayed return somehow. To create scope for a couple of already envisioned shots in the park, without arousing suspicion, I moved quickly.

There had been plenty of rain, but that can make colours rich when it stops and the Retinette had a Kodak Colorplus roll loaded. A love of low perspective saw me in the wet grass. The shot wasn’t the magic I had in the minds eye, but just using this camera is always a delight. Several light readings, dial movements and satisfying clicks later and time to get back to base. Very quietly lowering the camera bag to the floor by it’s strap, I stepped into the open doorway of the front room where my partner has her office. Explained there were no jabs to be had. She gave me knowing yet loving look and said ‘And what did you photograph?’ A little colour possibly coming to my face, I sheepishly asked how she knew. Smiling again she said “ I always know; I just look at your knees.” A smile became a laugh. Glancing down I realised three things in quick succession. Firstly, both trouser knees were visibly wet, secondly I am rubbish at hiding things and most importantly, how much we love each other.

The shot at the top is of the crazy golf course and was far from the best the camera produced on that roll. It did though result in the noticeably wet knees and a moment to be treasured. Whenever I look at this shot, I relive that moment and see that lovely knowing smile.

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