|
The pendulum is a story about the everyday life of an ordinary couple caught in the chores of mundane city life. John Perkins and his wife Katy live in Frogmore flats. Caught in the inevitable routine of breakfast - office - supper - bed, they have a predictable existence everyday.
The first few paragraphs of the story tell us how typically same their days are. He returns from work by the same bus, is met at the door with the same smile, Katy then serves dinner (which also seems quite the same everyday) after which John leaves for the club with the querulous protest by Katy and gruff response.
But one day all that is changed. Katy gets a telegram that informs her that her mother is unwell. She leaves in a hurry, when John returns the house is in a mess, the things are scattered all over and Katy is not to be seen.
A lonely supper of cold meat is what he has. He is filled with remorse. He realises the value of Katy. He vows to treat her better. He regrets having spent evenings at the club with friends while she was alone at home. He decides to change.
All of a sudden Katy returns. Her mother has recovered and Katy has caught the next train home. John is jolted back to reality. He resumes his old habits. He picks up his hat, gives a gruff response to his wife's queries and leaves for the club again! Old habits die hard.
| 
