Man, what a day! I swear, Marchwood’s got a way of throwin’ curveballs at ya. So, I’m up early, right? The sun’s barely peekin’ over the rooftops on Eling Lane, and I’m already knee-deep in charcoal. You know, the good stuff, not that cheap rubbish. I’m a charcoal burner, after all. Gotta keep it real.
First thing, I’m headin’ down to the docks. The smell of the sea hits ya like a brick. It’s kinda nice, but also makes ya wanna gag if ya had a rough night. Anyway, I’m walkin’ past the old church on Marchwood Road, and I see this bloke, right? He’s tryin’ to sell fish outta a cooler. I’m thinkin’, “Mate, it’s 7 AM, who’s buyin’ fish this early?” But hey, to each their own, I guess.
So, I’m mindin’ my own business, when suddenly, I hear this loud crash. I whip around, and there’s a car, like, totally smashed into a lamppost on the corner of Marchwood Avenue. I’m like, “What the actual heck?” Turns out, some kid was tryin’ to impress his mates. Classic, right? I mean, who needs a license when you’ve got a flashy car and a death wish?
I’m laughin’ my head off, but then I see the driver. He’s a mess, all panicky and stuff. I feel a bit bad, so I go over. “You alright, mate?” He looks at me like I’m a ghost. I mean, c’mon, it’s just a car! But nah, he’s more worried about his mum findin’ out. I tell him, “Just tell her you were testin’ the brakes.” He didn’t laugh. Tough crowd.
After that, I head to the local shop on Marchwood High Street. I’m in need of a cuppa, right? I walk in, and the smell of bacon sarnies hits me. I’m droolin’. I grab a tea and a sarnie, and the lady behind the counter, bless her, she’s all smiles. “You’re lookin’ rough today!” she says. I’m like, “Thanks, love. Just what I needed to hear.” But I can’t help but chuckle. She’s a gem.
Then, outta nowhere, this old fella comes in. He’s got a parrot on his shoulder! I kid you not. The parrot starts squawkin’ about how it wants a cracker. I’m thinkin’, “This is Marchwood, not a pirate ship!” But the old bloke’s just chattin’ away like it’s the most normal thing ever. I can’t even.
So, I finish my sarnie, and I’m feelin’ a bit better. I head back to my spot, but then I see this group of kids on the corner of Marchwood Lane. They’re playin’ footie, and one of ‘em kicks the ball right at me. I dodge it like a ninja, but then I trip over a rock. Classic me, right? They all burst out laughin’. I’m like, “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, you little rascals!” But deep down, I’m smilin’. Kids are the best.
Later, I’m back at the charcoal pit, and it’s gettin’ dark. I’m thinkin’ about how mad the day was. I mean, from fishy salesmen to car crashes, and a parrot! Marchwood’s got character, I’ll give it that. Just when I think it can’t get crazier, I hear a loud bang. I look up, and it’s fireworks! Some festival or somethin’. I’m standin’ there, covered in soot, watchin’ the sky light up. It’s beautiful, man.
I’m feelin’ all sorts of emotions. Happy, angry, surprised. It’s like a rollercoaster. I think about how life’s a bit like that, innit? Full of unexpected twists. I pack up my stuff, head home, and just laugh. Marchwood, you crazy place, you. What a day!