Mark Mannion pulled up at the kerbside in front of Mrs O’ Rourke’s home. Stepping from his car, he heard the back garden gate latch rattle and Mrs O’Rourke’s terrier bark a loud yelp. A voice he didn’t recognise said, “it’s okay, Max, I’ll be back tomorrow; stay.”

“Can I help you?” asked a young lady appearing from the side gable, as Mark was about to press the doorbell.

“Ah, it’s okay,” he said, “I’m just leaving these for Mrs O’ Rourke, and collect this,” he said, stooping to lift a Jiffy bag with his name scrawled across it, awaiting him on the doorstep. “Just our weekly exchange,” he said, quizzically gazing at the young lady.

“Oh, that’s my gran,” Chloe O’Rourke, smiled. “I take it these are her audiotapes?” Glancing at the small bag. “She’ll love these arriving, makes her week, especially now she’s isolating,” Chloe said, her eyes narrowing scrutinising Mark.

“Pardon me if I’m wrong, but, is it Chloe, Chloe O’Rourke?”

“Yea...” Chloe gushed. “I’m sorry, you look familiar, but I just can’t...”

“Sorry I can’t shake hands, under the circumstances. Mark Mannion,” he continued, “St. Mary’s. We went to St. Mary’s together, remember?” Mark said, beaming at recognising his classmate from primary school days.

“Mark Mannion! I remember you now. I knew you looked familiar. My goodness, it’s been a long time.” Chloe blurted.

“Yes, the curly hair has disappeared,” Mark laughed, pointing to his cropped hairdo.

“Come on, you didn’t have a beard then either,” Chloe chuckled.

“What are you doing with yourself, Chloe?”

“Well if it weren’t for COVID-19, I’d be at uni: Galway, fourth-year Pharmacy,” she added. For now, I’m Gran’s designated dog walker.” she simpered. “And you, Mark?”

“UCD, Engineering. For now, it’s helping Dad out distributing these audiobooks while he’s isolating. Guess we’re in the same boat, Chloe, just trying to help out where we can.” Mark said morosely.

“It’s frightening, Mark,” Chloe said, “I volunteer at a pharmacy in town three afternoons a week, it’s so busy. Between that and dog walking I’m getting some revision in,” she added, with a sigh.

Mrs O’ Rourke appeared at the door. “Is that you, Mark?” she said, jutting her head out the door.

“It is, Mrs O’Rourke, just talking to Chloe here,” he said. “We were at primary school together, and haven’t seen each other in years.”

“Really!” Mrs O’Rourke said, “Isn’t that a coincidence. It’s a pity about COVID; otherwise, you could both come in for a coffee.”

“Don’t forget about social distancing, Gran,” Chloe said, waving an outstretched arm back to her grandmother standing at her threshold.

“Bye, Mark, great to catch up with you,” Chloe said, smiling from an open car door with one leg in the footwell. “Sorry I have to rush off, but I’m off to the pharmacy for the afternoon.”

“Maybe I’ll see you again next week,” Mark called.

“Yes, hopefully, we can still walk dogs next week,” Chloe said, smiling broadly.

“See you then,” Mark said.

“Isn’t that a good one?” Mrs O’Rourke said, “you and Chloe knowing each other of old.”

“Yes, it’s terrific. Pity about the current situation, we could have met for a coffee or a drink in town.” Mark said, exhaling a sigh.

“Oh for goodness sake, Mark, you don’t have to wait for this to blow over. Honestly, with all the technology,” she simpered. “Hold on,” she said, turning back into the house, returning with her mobile phone. “Just a second,” she instructed. “There we are, Chloe, I’ll call you out her number, you can give her a call; one of those face-tube call things; you can share a virtual coffee or a glass of wine. Catch up on the lost years,” she said, with a wink of her eye.

“But I couldn’t do that! Chloe might not want me contacting her,” he said, looking flustered.

“Oh, you’re all so politically correct now. In my day, when I was young, I loved getting a phone call from a boy. We had to wait by a telephone kiosk, hoping the phone would ring,” she declared, laughing.

 “I think you’re doing a bit of matchmaking?” Mark laughed.

“Well, would you like me to ring Chloe, and ask if I can give you her number?” she said.

“Yes, I’d like that,” he smiled, shaking his head. “And I thought matchmaking was a thing of the past.”

Mrs O’Rourke reappeared at the door. “Chloe’s fine with you having her number,” she said, a coy grin enveloping her face, as Mark, smiling broadly, tapped Chloe’s number into his contacts.

“You’re doing a great job, Mark. It’s lovely having audiotapes during isolation when we’re unable to be outdoors. I have a notion I’m going to be seeing more of you when this is over,” Mrs O’Rourke called after Mark. “Oh, don’t forget to give my regards to your dad. See you next week; no doubt,” she added, smiling.

“You’re welcome. Yea, looking forward to that. Stay safe, Mrs O’Rourke,” Mark said, hopping into his car, with a brimming smile.