A Debt Warrior’s Tale

The Beginning

April 2006. It was a dark, cold and rainy night in Buckinghamshire County. Another evening of telephone contacts from creditors. Yes, you know the ones. The ones who ring you from 8 am to 9 pm and on Saturday and Sunday mornings claiming they need the overtime. Debtdummy, feeling exhausted raised one foot and then the other slowly, quietly as though walking in this manner would cause the telephone not to ring.’’Ahhhhh,’’ she sighed as she reached her destination without the telephone ringing. She then sat down on the sofa, picked up the remote to the television and watched Eastenders. She smiled feeling very pleased with herself.
The smile soon vanished as she heard the telephone rang that sharp creditors cry.’’ Briiing!! It’s us! Briiing! We want money we know you do not have!’’ She answered, but remained silent. All she could hear was the automatic dialler then a voice, ‘’ Mrs. Debtdummy?’’ She said nothing. ‘’Mrs. Debtdummy, I know you’re there watching Eastenders. Infact, I contact you so often I know you’re watching Eastenders at this very minute. You know this is Ms. Stank from Greedy R’ Us Debt Collection Agency.’’ Debtdummy, placed the telephone against the television glass just as Phil Mitchell said,’’ Oh? And I give a damn do I?’’ She then hung up and made her way to the stairs.

She held on to the tattered hem of her old dressing gown and made her way upstairs to her bed. Once there she cried. She cried out of anger, frustration and self-pity. Mr Debtdummy was away on business and was not there to console her. Her shoulders shook violently with each tear that ran down her cheeks. Her daughter entered the room and asked in her concerned voice what the problem was. You see, Little Debtdummy was a caring girl, who loved her mum dearly. Debtdummy, quickly dried her eyes and cheeks and sniffed,’’Oh…I am coming down with a cold’’. Her daughter gave her mum one last look of compassion and hastily left the room. She did not want to get too close to her mum out of fear of catching her cold.
Debtdummy lied there in the opulent king-sized white metal and brass bed that she purchased from IKEA before the years of The Misery and thought about her present financial plight as she had every night for months. She didn’t know what to do or where to turn. Her hubby was upset and unsure about their future. They were arguing more. Over simple silly things too. Like, who ate the last slice of bread? And is that you making those breathing sounds?

Who could she disclose her financial troubles to? She was too embarrassed to discuss the situation with family or friends. ”What are we to do?’’ She cried as she hit her fist against the pillow. She then rolled over and gently fingered Mr Debtdummy’s pillow as she thought about slapping him upside his head for eating crisps in the bed again. ‘’He always leaves crumbs on the pillow!’’ She huffed as she dusted them with her fingers, turned off the bedside table lamp; and fell asleep.

May 2006. Debtdummy was preparing the usual debtor’s breakfast of tea and buttered toast. Oh, how she missed strawberry jam spread thickly on warm croissants. But since losing her employment due to illness they were stretched living on one salary; and Mr. Debtdummy claimed strawberry jam was a luxury they could do without. She hid the small plastic packet of strawberry jam she had received for free while having lunch with a friend a few days ago into her jeans pocket to savour alone when the house was empty. As Little Debtdummy gave her a kiss on the cheek while leaving the house for school, she pickpocket her. ‘’ Love you, mum’’, she chirped happily as she ran off with the jam.

Debtdummy made herself a cuppa and watched the television while the washing machine made a low roar in the background. She blinked then quickly blinked again. She shot up out of the chair spilling the cup of tea and pressed the SKYPlus rewind button. She could not believe her eyes or her ears! ‘’ Yes, we can take 80% off of the total debt and write off the rest. You keep your house and all other assets. Contact, WSYC today and have a new financial beginning.‘’ Debtdummy dashed to the telephone and frantically pressed the numbers. A kind, soothing voice was on the other end. Her whole body quivered because she was so used to being spoken to harshly from debt collectors that it became an automatic reaction whenever she spoke on the telephone. ‘’ Hello, We See You Coming. WSYC for short. How can I help you? Miss SweetThang talking.’’
‘’Umm, I… we would like a new financial beginning. Can you help us?’ We are drowning in debt.’’ Debtdummy desperately stammered. She stopped breathing awaiting an answer. ‘’Yes, we can. I just need some information before I can decide the best way to help you.’’ Debtdummy exhaled with joy. ‘’ We offer a debt management programme, and IVAs, that’s an individual voluntary arrangement.’’ Debtdummy enquired what was the difference between the two. ‘’ A DMP, that’s a debt management programme is not legally binding, interest may or may not be frozen, the creditors can still harass you from sun up to sun down; and you’ll probably be a grandmother before you pay off all of your debt.’’ Debtdummy hung on to every word Miss SweetThang spoke. ‘’ An IVA is legally binding, freezes the interest, usually lasts for 60 months and at the end of 60 months all of your debts are paid and you pay a percentage of the debt amount for those 60 months. The rest of the debt is written off. Now, just give me an address and I’ll pop the paperwork in the mail. Fill it all in, and stop paying your creditors as of today. If they should hassle you just tell them you’re doing an IVA.’’ Debtdummy was thrilled and danced a jig around the lounge while dangling the receiver in the air using it as a dance partner.

The Middle

Two weeks later Debtdummy received the paperwork from WSYC and started gathering the bills, hubby’s wage slips and the gruesome passport photos. The one that made her resemble Dame Edna or Mrs. Bucket (Keeping Up Appearances) in drag caused her to make a funny face at it.
She explained everything to Mr. Debtdummy and for the first time in weeks he smiled. They spoke with a renewed vigour and hope. They spoke of their new financial beginning being just around the corner. They started showering together again, singing off-key together again (cue the song Happy Days Are Here Again) and just plain old loving each other again. They even used the pet names they gave each other when Married BC (that’s married and before children).

Debtdummy was no longer terrified about opening the mail and answering the telephone. She felt strong, vital. She felt like a warrior. ‘’ Yes,’’ she roared, I am a debt warrior and I have a sturdy helmet to protect me! Debt collectors…make my day!’’ In all honesty, she and hubby were initially afraid of not paying the creditors. You see, they had always paid their debts on time until The Misery. And their parents had raised them to always pay their debts. But as the weeks wore on it became effortless and that funny feeling in the pit of their stomachs gave way as they would fearlessly say to the debt collectors, ”We are getting an IVA!’’

When all the paperwork was completed Mr. Debtdummy checked it over while Debtdummy glowed at him in delight. They then stuffed the large brown self-addressed envelop with the paperwork, sealed it; and left the house. There they were walking hand in hand like two school kids down to the post office. They felt weightless, as though their feet did not touch the grass. They were giddy with joy. Once there, they both released it simultaneously, smiling when they heard it make a thud sound on the bottom of the red metal post box. They leisurely walked back home as if they did not have had a worry in the world. Yes, live couldn’t get any better they thought.

July2006. ‘’Hello, Mrs. Debtdummy, Yes, I know I am your insolvency practitioner, Mr S. Hite, here for you always. Oh yes, I do know…but…we have a backlog. Uh huh, well okay. Just keep telling the debt collectors they must deal with us as we are handling an IVA for you and no matter what they say do not give them a pence.’’ Debtdummy hung up and logged on to iva.co.uk to read the posts there. She sought great comfort in reading what other people in similiar financial situations had to say about their IVAs. She also learned a lot about the process. What she was reading on the forum and what she was being told and how she was being treated by the IP, where two different things.

She tried in vain to get her hubby to log on and read the forum so she could discuss her fears with him. He said that was daft and those people are not real. He said the posts were computer generated by IVA companies to get your business. ‘’Just another marketing ploy,’’ he would say under his breath.

August 2006. The telephone rang. It was Mr S. Hite. He had the proposal ready. Debtdummy’s heart skipped a beat. That worried her as she thought her heart medication had failed, but no, it was a reaction to good news. ‘’ Ok, what’s the amount per month we would have to pay to rebuild our lives?’’ She happily asked.’’ What? Are you sure? What do you mean HSBC wants 40 pence on the pound?’’ She became worried and Mr S.Hite could hear the concern in her voice. He suggested when the proposal arrives to look it over with her hubby and they will see what a great deal it was. He then hung up breathing a sigh of relief to be finished with a hysterical woman. ‘’ Say Harry,’’ he said to a colleague,’’ why do they always react like that?’’

When the proposal arrived Debtdummy tore open the envelope and saw the expenditures. Food £200, clothes £40. ‘’For a family of 3? They must be joking! A family of squirrels couldn’t live on this and they already have winter coats!’’ She flipped a few pages back and read. £866 for the first 5 months, followed by £556 for the remaining months with a lump sum payment of £12,000 in the fifth year. ‘‘ Huh? Where on God’s green planet do we find £886 a month for 5 months? Debtdummy’s eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open in disbelief. ‘’ Wait until hubby reads this proposal!’’

That evening after dinner Debtdummy showed her hubby the IVA proposal. She knew the way to a man’s mind was through his stomach. ‘’ Or something down there around that general area anyway,’’ she muttered as she handed him the proposal. Mr. Debtdummy started turning page after page after page. He was just as amazed as she was over the figures. He noticed the expenditures were low, very low and that concerned him. The following day he contacted Mr S. Hite to enquire about the proposal. ‘’ Look mate, mano a mano could you and your family live on this?’’ Mr S. Hite chose his words very carefully. ‘’ If it meant we keep the roof over our heads and the cars? Yes. Oh, it would be a struggle for 5 years, but then you’re debt free. Besides, you can always borrow a few pounds from relatives to tie you over from month to month.’’ Mr Debtdummy angrily responded,’’ I shouldn’t have to do with an IVA!’’

September 2006. Debtdummy sat at her computer with her bright yellow warrior helmet on perusing website after website frantically looking for another IVA company. She was determined in finding a suitable IVA and her hubby supported her in that mission. They became like Roman sentry. Lean, mean debt-busting machines. They thought themselves a debt-fighting duo like Batman and Robin, Lone Ranger and Tonto. They would find a feasible IVA or all would be lost. Day by day as time marched forward their enthusiasm started to wane. They were beginning to feel more like Dumb and Dumber for being in so much debt in the first place.
‘’Couldn’t be helped, babes. Don’t blame yourself for developing a heart condition and loosing your job.’’ Mr. Debtdummy would say to Debtdummy. Still nothing he could say could remove the guilt she felt. She believed she was the cause for all of their financial problems. ‘’ I am just happy you’re alive,’’ he repeated while gently stroking her head. ‘’Of course…the conservatory may have been a bit much.’’ Debtdummy playfully gave him ‘the look’.

After countless contacts with various IVA companies. One caught Debtdummy’s eye, The Towne Criers. ‘’Hmmm,’’ she thought as she read the website slogan. The Towne Criers will shout your IVA through the worst of creditors during the creditors meetings. HSBC, MNBA, Blackhorse and Lloyds TSB. They will listen to us because we are LOUD. ‘’Sounds great!’’ Debtdummy exclaimed,’’ They are the ones for me!’’ She immediately picked up the telephone and contacted them.

December 2006. ‘’Good morning Mrs Debtdummy’,’’ the voice oozed.’’ This is Miss High-Pitch, from The Towne Criers. Sorry, it’s taken so long to get back with you, but Christmas is our busiest season. You see people want to enter the New Year with a clean slate, a fresh financial start.’’ Debtdummy explained to Miss High-Pitch the urgency of receiving that proposal. How they have not paid any unsecured creditors for months. How debt collectors on a daily basis were threatening them. The tension in the house becoming unbearable. ‘’Ohhh…we at The Towne Criers do indeed understand. We deal with this everyday.’’ Debtdummy could no longer hold her tongue.’’ Then you come to my house and deal with these damn debt collectors since you are use to dealing with them everyday!’’ She shouted down the phone. Miss High-Pitch calmly explained she didn’t mean it literally. ”Touchy cow!” Ms High-Pitch,” said in disdain as she hung-up.
January 2007. Proposal arrived and a meeting with the IP was arranged. Mr. Debtdummy drove to the IP’s office with Debtdummy sitting there trying to figure out how another IP could get it so wrong. They drove in silence for the full two hours it took to travel there. ‘’At last,’’ Debtdummy said as she slammed the car door shut. They crossed the street towards the sign that read, The Offices of Slippery & Eel, IPs That Please. They walked up the icey steps and rung the doorbell. ‘’Oh do come in. I am Mr. Eel,’’ he introduced himself as he slithered past towards his office. ” Do be seated.”

The time dragged. Debtdummy kept watching a large clock on the office wall hoping the hands would move anytime that afternoon. She was growing bored with her hubby and Mr Eel hammering out the proposal. Page by page, line by line, over and over again. ‘’ What…are we suppose to light the house using candles?’’ Mr. Debtdummy hotly asked. ‘’This figure of £30 a month for petrol two cars is ludicrous. We are not Fred and Wilma Flintstone.’’ Mr. Eel suddenly became quiet with the realisation the Debtdummys were not..erm.. dummies. He solemnly stated,’’ If you do not sign this, you have no other option except for bankruptcy. Now sign.’’ Debtdummy’s eyes became moist and she starred at her hubby for emotional support. He was speechless as Mr. Eel continued. ‘’ Although, the expenditures are not actual, they do assist you in obtaining a goal. This proposal is going to help you. Now sign. You get to keep your cars and house. Now sign.’ Everything you have worked for you can keep. Now sign. No other option except bankruptcy. Trust me. Now sign.’’ Reader, what would YOU do under these circumstances? Do you sign an unrealistic IVA knowing in the near future it’s going to fail? In despair many do
Unfortunately.

Neither of the Debtdummys could remember who stood up first, but they remembered it seemed to have been done in a dream like state. Slow and hesitating like walking through honey. They felt as though their world had just spun off it’s axis. As if there was no gravity and no air to breath. The office became a blur of black leather chairs meshed with a large mahogany desk. The navy coloured carpet formed a whirl and floated, rising off the floor forming a barrier between them and the office door. It will take all of their strength to leave that office.

The Debtdummys knew their last hope was gone. They looked wistfully at the proposal then at each other. ‘’Which one will grab the pen and sign first?’’ Mr Eel confidently thought. You see, he’s seen this reaction before to unrealistic proposals. ‘’ They always sign just the thought of bankruptcy makes them ill.’’ Mr Debtdummy took Debtdummy’s trembling hand and they slowly walked towards the office door feeling scared and defeated. ‘’Think it over,’’ Mr Eel smiled placing the proposal in Debtdummy’s hand as she made her way to the door.
Once outside the fresh crisp cold air made them both feel a little better. They slid into the car and drove home feeling emotionally wrought.

After The Middle But Not The End
January 2007. How ‘down’ the Debtdummys felt at the beginning of the new year. Happiness was everywhere except inside their house. Debtdummy cried as she never did before. Just endless pools of tears. Her hubby would wear a forced smile and tell her to cheer-up constantly, but she could see through that thin veil of a fake smile. She knew he was hurting inside too. His feelings were always expressed through his eyes. Searing hot and full of pain ready to scorch the first glance that dared to look. Even their daughter, Little Debtdummy wasn’t cheerful. She could sense something was wrong with her parents. She also could sense they were not about to discuss it. So she never asked them. The eldest daughter, Big Debtdummy paid a visit. She mentioned something about feng shui. ‘’ The house is not spiritually balanced,’’ she stated as she waved her hands about like a mad woman fighting spider webs. She then puckered her lips blew into the air around her;and left.

Both the moods of Mr. Debtdummy and his wife would fluctuate often. Every emotion rising like waves more turbulent and bitter than the next. The feelings would spring up and pounce on them leaving them depressed one minute and then elated the next. Over the months from living under great duress they have learned to handle these moods better. They had to or would have ended up in divorce court over indebtedness. The blaming and vicious name-calling had to cease.

They had no idea how they were going to get themselves out of the financial mess they have created, but they knew they wanted each other. After all those years they still loved each other. They were still a good team. Good to each other and good for each other. And Debtdummy’s hubby found the helmets a real turn-on.

Middle of January 2007. Debtdummy had pencils, paper and calculator in the study all prepared to save their future. She also donned her red warriors helmet. She and her hubby decided they weren’t going down without a fight. Debtdummy spoke first.’’ We need to turn these figures every which way, but loose.’’ She held the calculator in her hand pointing it at her hubby as if to stress the urgency. ‘’ Want to make love?’’ Mr. Debtdummy winked. ‘’No, silly man,’’ she laughed.’’ When the going gets tough…the tough make war not love. ‘’

Working at a feverish pitch with only stopping to eat and drink and answer the call of nature they persevered through the night. Each showing the other the new figures that were calculated. None of the figures would do. None would magically total an expenditure figure that they could realistically live on for a month never mind 60 months. ‘’How are you doing, babes?’’ Debtdummy asked her hubby. ‘’Same old thing here, love,’’ he sighed. They carried on until the dawn broke through the study window. Exhausted and defeated, they waved the white flag. Debtdummy knew the time had come. She removed her helmet and sat on her hubby’s lap. She could feel his pulsating heart through his strong chest.

This was not the way Mr. Debtdummy desired it, but he needed Debtdummy…urgently. He needed her now. He smelled her scent. ‘’Was it there that I touched,’’ he asked kissing her neck,’’ or there?’’ Debtdummy placed her hand on top of his. She could feel his hands trembling under hers. She smiled softly,’’ Nooo, you place it here and there.’’ Mr. Debtdummy felt invigorated by his wife’s touch. He let her undress…his monitor. She carefully raised the plastic dust cover off and threw it to the floor. With a few strokes from Mr. Debtdummy’s fingers the bank account appeared on the screen. Another touch and the cancel direct debits box appeared. They felt heady with anticipation. They could feel each other’s breath on their faces. One by one, with each click, the direct debits vanished.

End of January 2007. Debtdummy was extremely busy learning all that she could about bankruptcy. She contacted CCCS and the CAB writing and digesting all that her dumb brain would allow. She went from one forum to the next asking questions, learning. She learned there was an online insolvency site and it had a helpline number. She used that telephone number to aid her in completing the bankruptcy forms. Debtdummy exploded with bankruptcy information. She and her hubby were frightened, but others on the forum made them made less afraid. She found support and guidance on the iva.co.uk forum. She even asked admin could there be a bankruptcy site. ‘’Why not?’’ Admin boldly replied. Yes, Debtdummy was feeling like her old self again. ‘’I am woman, hear my roar,’’ she shouted causing her helmet to slip.

February 2007. With the nesting instinct and the hoarding instinct combined, Debtdummy went into a blaze of energy. She knew they had to leave the family home. They couldn’t afford to pay the mortgage and maintain it. It weighed heavily on their minds. She and Mr Debtdummy both believed bricks and mortar did not make a home, but the people who live in them give life and a spirit. Money was being saved for rent deposits and bankruptcy fees. Supermarket boards being read for house rentals. Day in and day out Debtdummy was looking for a home for her family and her helmets.

She had already dealt with the Mr Large Fraud the high street estate agent; and knew not to give his sort anymore money for a reference. All was well until she explained to them her financial situation. Upon hearing it, the estate agents wanted 6 months rent on top of the deposit.

Middle of February 2007. Saving money, still searching for a home and filling in the insolvency forms. That was Debtdummy’s raison d’etre. One day Debtdummy was in Sainsburys . She wore a beautiful fuchsia helmet with pastel pink plummage. A woman was admiring her helmet. She smiled and commented,’’ I do like that.’’ Debtdummy thanked her. They started a conversation about where to buy the best warrior helmets. That woman became Debtdummy’s future landlady. Her name she squeaked was, Mrs. Divine. She explained she had a rental house. ‘’ A lovely house. Refitted bathrooms and kitchen, newly laid carpets and painted walls. Also, a utility room.’’ Debtdummy, thought she had met the most..well.. divine woman.

March 2007. Separating ‘what-to-takes’ from the ‘what-to-throw-outs’was a large job. All the Debtdummys joined in the clearing out the loft, garage and wardrobes. They had eventually explained the financial situation to Little Debtdummy. Not the full truth, but enough for her to still feel secure. Her only concern was she would no longer have her own bathroom. They laughed and joked about it and continued to sort and pack. Mr. Debtdummy didn’t want to use boxes. He said they cost too much. So, he used sheets and duvets covers, while Debtdummy and daughters used boxes.

The nosey neighbours, Mr and Mrs Longnose, the curtain twitchers, Mr and Mrs Lace, and the downright rude couple, Mr and Mrs Over-Bearing were all most interested in the movement and excitement happening at the Debtdummy house. If the Debtdummys were in the garage with the garage door open they would walk by several times and pretend not to notice. Reminds me of those wooden ducks people shoot at the fayres,’’ Debtdummy whispered to her family one day.’’ The way they pass by like that one by one.’’
Little Debtdummy shouted at the nosey neighbours,’’ Take a photo it would last longer!’’ All the Debtdummys laughed at her remark.

End of March 2007. Debtdummy contacted the courthouse to confirm the bankruptcy petitioning day for the 3 April. The belongings were packed and ready to go. The removal men arrived. Two big burly men with butt-cracks to match walked into the lounge. They took one look at the over -packed sheets and duvets and fell out laughing.’’ Oiy! Wha’ tha’ then?’’ The larger of the two grinned. ‘’ Where did he go?’’ Debtdummy thought. When looking around for her hubby, he was nowhere to be seen. ‘’ I told him it was a silly idea,’’ she laughed to herself.

The house move was complete. Later that evening while her family was asleep, Debtdummy roamed throughout the new house. It had a strange feel to it. She knew what was causing that feeling of unfamiliarity and sobbed. It was ‘a’ home, but not ‘her’ home. The last time she lived in a rental was at university many years ago. She sniffed a few times, blew her runny nose and continued to paddle about. The house atmosphere was stifling with that new carpet and paint smell. She sat down on the sofa drawing her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. She began reviewing the last several difficult months of her life and eventually fell asleep. The first real sleep she’s had in almost a year.

Almost The End
April 3 2007. Debtdummy had awakened early. She had to finish the bankruptcy applications and print three copiesof each. As the printer hummed, Mr Debtdummy entered the room. ‘’ Thanks babes for doing that,’’ he smiled. Debtdummy returned the smile although she had not heard what he had said. She was going through her mental list of things that would be required for the day. ‘’ Court fees…identification…the 3 copies,’’ she muttered to herself as though in a trance.

They arrived at the courthouse. Debtdummy’s knees were knocking with fear. Neither of them had ever been there before. Neither have ever filed for bankruptcy before. The courthouse was a new brick structure three floors high. They approached the tall glass doors . Debtdummy didn’t see the sign stating the doors where automatic. She attempted to push the glass doors open. Inside the security guards watched in amusement. Finally, one of them pushed a metal round knob from the inside and it opened.

The Debtdummys has to pass through a metal detector. Debtdummy’s grey metal helmet set off the alarm. A security female guard allowed her to pass through as she knew it was worn to give women courage. They walked upstairs and there was a long cue of people. A United Nations of people stood in the cue representing every ethnic group in England.

They made there way inching slowly towards the clerk’s desk. ‘’We’re here to petition for bankruptcy,’’ Debtdummy whispered. She was afraid of being overheard and ridiculed from those within earshot. ‘’ Right!’’ The clerk bellowed. ‘’ You need to go back downstairs and pay for it! Bring the receipts back upstairs to me!’’ The Debtdummys, deeply embarrassed, have never run so fast down a flight of stairs.

The clerk behind a thick glass window smiled and took their paperwork. She methodically went through two copies of Debtdummy’s petition and removed certain pages. Once she was satisfied all was in order she placed a Bible in Debtdummy’s hands and told Debtdummy to repeat after her the oath. With the oath being completed the clerk instructed Debtdummy while pointing to the signature lines, ‘’Sign here, here and here.’’ Debtdummy felt as though she was signing her life away. In a way, she was. Her hubby replicated the same procedure. They then paid the court fees and were given a receipt. The clerk returned a copy each of their bankruptcy application; and they returned upstairs.

The Debtdummys sat and sat and sat. They waited and waited and waited. Debtdummy went to read the listings on the boards to keep herself entertained. She was astonished to count 30 home repossessions and 2 bankruptcies all before one o’clock in the afternoon. She glanced around the room at all the sad drawn faces; and became motionless. She heard no sound. Only a feeling of stillness as though frozen to that very spot on the floor. ‘’ The Dummies..erm..Debtdummys!’’ a clerk shouted. Hearing her name startled her into reality. She and hubby made their way down a long corridor. The clerk told them to wait and she entered the district judges chambers. After a few minutes she told them to enter the chambers.

‘’What a lovely helmet,’’ said the district judge.’’ I had one to get me through law school.’’ Debtdummy nodded approvingly.The district judge asked them if they sought professional advice. The Debtdummys said they had. She then explained about the house having to be sold and there would most likely be a shortfall. She explained the bankruptcy would cover the shortfall. She then took a pen and signed the petition.’’ Now, go downstairs and wait for your bankruptcy order. The official receiver will be contacting you within twenty-four hours,’’ she said kindly. ‘’ Good luck, Dummies. I mean Mr and Mrs Debtdummy.’’ The Debtdummys rose from their chairs, thanked the district judge and left.

Once downstairs they waited for the bankruptcy order. They didn’t know what to say to each other. They didn’t know how or what to feel. This was a completely new experience for the both of them. They looked around at the other people there in that small waiting area trying not to make eye contact.
They didn’t want to speak to anyone. Finally, the clerk called their names. The Debtdummys went to the counter and the lady gave them 2 sheets of paper.’ ‘’Put these in a safe place,’’ she smiled. ‘’ You may need them one day.’’ Debtdummy placed them in her handbag; and they left the courthouse.

The End
They returned to the car. ‘’ We should do something,’’ Mr Debtdummy said. ‘’Maybe a drink and lunch?’’ Debtdummy agreed. They slid into the car and decided the pub by the lake would be a nice way to end the afternoon. Once there, Debtdummy ordered a small white Grenache and Mr Debtdummy ordered Stella Artois. The food ordered was two meals for the price of one: sirloin with salad and baked potatoes. They had always believed the steak served at that price was horsemeat from France. Just the thought of that made them laugh.

While waiting for the food and drinks they starred at the lake. ‘’How do you feel?’’ Debtdummy asked her hubby. He said he felt numb. Debtdummy agreed she was feeling the same way. ‘’Surreal ithe whole experience was,’’ Debtdummy nodded slowly. ‘’Not as bad as we thought was it?’’ Her hubby asked. ‘’ I thought the judge would give us a telling off. She was kind,’’ Debtdummy said while removing a bankruptcy order from her handbag. ‘’ As of 11:35 we were declared bankrupt.’’ No more obscene debt collectors. No more frightening letters. They did feel badly about not being able to pay the creditors in full. However, they both felt a sense of immense relief as the weight of the financial burden was crushing them physically and spiritually. Their sense of loss was deep as well. They will miss their home and cars. Also, that lingering feeling of having have failed in some manner will always remain.

The waiter placed the drinks down in front of them. The Debtdummys decided to make a toast. It was their custom to toast good occasions. Even though this was not a good occasion they both felt it was the thing to do at the moment. Debtdummy viewed it as closing a final chapter on an unpleasant event in her life. The toast represented an end to the past horrific year. They grinned at each other for a few seconds not saying a word. ‘’Home is where the heart is,’’ Debtdummy thought lovingly gazing into her hubby’s eyes. ‘’ To us,’’ she softly spoke not wanting to be overheard. She raised her glass and gently tapped his. ‘’This fresh start will be everything we want it to be.’’