Bridget's proposition came out of the blue but when he thought about it, Stefan could see that it made sense. They were the only two residents of the houses on that part of Corwich Lane, separated from their next nearest neighbours by almost half a mile in either direction. Bridget had shouted over to him from her back garden,
"Stefan I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Could you spare me a minute or two?"
"Of course, Bridget what can I do for you?" replied Stefan, advancing to a position 2 metres away from the fence.
"I've heard on the radio that people can form support bubbles between themselves and other households and avoid some of the restrictions such as social distancing."
"Oh, are you suggesting that we should do that? You know if there's anything you need me to get you from the shops, you only have to ask "
"Yes, but this way you would be able to bring the groceries straight into my kitchen."
"I'd have to decontaminate first, maybe I could come in through the garage and clean myself down beforehand in the utility room."
"Oh, that sounds like a plan then already, so you would like to join a bubble with me then?"
"It sounds like a great idea, I'd be delighted to bubble up with you."
"Come on over then, we can talk about it over a cup of tea."
Stefan went back into his house and out through his front door, locking it behind him and walked up the path of his neighbour's house to her front door. Before he could knock, it opened and Bridget greeted him with a shy smile. 5 feet 3 inches tall, an abundance of grey hair, Bridget was perhaps more plump than was good for her but comfortable with her appearance. A grandmother, even great-grandmother to a few children who lived far away from her now. Bridget always dressed smartly, on this occasion she wore a black skirt and white blouse. Her white lacy bra was visible through the sheer fabric of her blouse. Bridget noticed that he had taken in the view but said nothing for now.
"How do you take your tea?" she asked.
"White, two sugars please."
They chatted about which supermarkets they liked to use and agreed that Marks and Spencer, though pricy had the better social distancing arrangements. Stefan liked to do his shopping on a Thursday and would be able to combine hers with his if she gave him a list.
"You could come with me if you fancied a trip out as well." he suggested.
"No, thank you. I think it's safer to limit my interactions with others, I'm in the vulnerable category."
"Of course, no problem. Can I leave a clean sweatshirt, joggers and slippers in your utility room so that I'm thoroughly decontaminated when I come into your kitchen?"
"Oh, very professional!"
"Customer care is our number 1 priority."
Thursday afternoon came and Bridget passed a handwritten note over the garden fence to her neighbour. They hadn't made much use of their bubble status in the intervening few days, save for Stefan popping around to prepare his decontamination procedure. Bridget wore a white boob tube with no sleeves over black trousers with the zip at the side. Stefan could see no bra straps. As he drove, he considered her appearance.
"Surely, such a big girl wouldn't go braless even in this pleasantly warm weather? She must have one of those strapless bras on," he thought, then, "What am I doing even thinking about my neighbours tits? She might be 70, perhaps twice my age."
