DIALOGUE 264 words Chris Champness

Ted and Simon were at the Pig and Whistle for their regular weekly bonding session. Simon kicked off the conversation.

Well, did you go to that, what was it, creative writing group after all?

Oh yes, I certainly did.

How was it then? Worth your while?

I believe so. I listened whilst they all discussed their latest project.

Which was?

A short story of around 1000 words. About ghosts.

Sounds an interesting start.

Yes, and it got better.

How so?

Well, the lady running the group - she's an ex teacher and best qualified of us all to do so, and very competent at it - said at one stage: does anyone here actually believe in ghosts.

He continued: there was a short silence.

Then someone said: I do.

Really? was the group response. Tell us more.

He replied: I will. But not now. I need time to prepare. Say at the next meeting?

We all agreed. But he continued by asking each in turn: why don't you believe?

I won't bore you with all replies, just the first - who said it's quite preposterous in this day and age. No scientific validity whatsoever.

Have you researched it?

Of course not. It's self evident.

It is? You are a scientist yourself I believe?

Yes.

And in considering any new development, would you not as such consider all available evidence both for and against?

Yes, of course.

But, in this case, you considered nothing. Yours is but a subjective judgement. Whatever would Newton, Einstein or Max Planck think of that approach?

Silence.

QED.