Living In The Past

He was famous a long time ago, and very successful, but now he is nothing, he lives like a hermit, never speaks to anybody, and must have a miserable life.

Imagine having nothing, and looking back on the times when you had everything, when people waited on your every word.

The house was tidy and well-kept, nothing above ordinary, but would easily sell on the property market without any enhancements.

Because people never approached him (they believed he was like a hermit and didn't want to speak to anyone), they made up stories, mainly about how awful his life must be. The thing is, he always tipped the postman, the milkman and the binmen at Christmas, and though he had the bulk of his groceries delivered, he often dropped in to the corner shop, and was partial to a portion of fish and chips.

When the people who did talk with him were quizzed, they never let any secret slip, that is, if there were any to slip.

Most people didn't know what he looked like now, only the photographs from the past, but that was perfect for their stories.

He had changed over the years, and when he walked out, most people did not have a clue who he was.

The reality was that he was very happy with his life and situation.

His past was the past, but he was still working under many assumed identities, and he was very successful. He could do whatever he wanted with his life, holidays, fine food and drink, and many secret friends.

He maintained perfect discretion, as did all his close friends and family.

He never wanted for anything and was fine with the ones who saw him (because they never knowingly saw him), thinking he was a miserable old man living in the past.

The fact is that he is a very happy man living in the present.