THE BOOK CLUB 4: A SLIP IN TIME    (close window to return)

“Well everyone, that’s another review over and I just wanted to say, it’s our book club anniversary this Saturday. We’re not having a big party, just us, our partners and very close friends. Since it’s July, and a very hot one, we’ll be here in the garden. Six thirty start.” Julia told them.
They were gathered together under several sun shades with empty plates that two hours ago, held glorious slices of her home-baked Victoria sponge, a speciality of hers and usually reserved for their monthly meetings.
“We should bring little gifts for each other. Nothing more than twenty pounds in total,” Kelsey said.
“No,” Tanya got in quick, “Something you make, or some things you already own. We give a piece of ourselves.”
“Excellent idea. I’ve got a load of Gregory’s socks I can share,” Melanie said.
Tanya glared at her.
Melanie saw and raised her hand, “Just joking. It’s a good idea.”
“According to the news, a lot of people think the world is going to end this Saturday,” Eleanor said. “I’m hoping it does so it can start afresh.”
“Well, at least we’ll all be together.” Maisie said. “Better than dying alone.”
“Do you think there’s any truth in it?” Hazel asked.
“I do,” Eleanor jumped in.
“Donald says it’s all poppycock,” Kelsey said. “Planets aligning, Mayan scribblings on stone tablets... it’s just to sell newspapers and ad space.”
“I haven’t been following the news. Tell me more.” Hazel asked.
Julia took charge. “All the planets are aligning in a way that’s never happened before. Some conspiracy theorist with a huge youtube and tik tok following has photos of stone fragments allegedly from a Mayan temple in Mexico. It depicts the event and the earth in upheaval.”