15 x 15

I'm not very good at multiplying in my head. I only gave up yesterday because it was taking far too long.

First I imagined the number 15, like this, a 1 and a 5. Then I imagined another number 15 directly below it, that is, the 1 under the 1, and the 5 under the 5.

Then I imagined a multiplication sign to the left of the bottom 1. No, I'm only joking. I didn't need to imagine that.

Then I proceeded with my calculation. 5 times 5 is 25. Put down the 5 and carry 2. That's 2 things to remember. The 2 is placed above an imaginary line which I also thought I didn't need to imagine. It would, however, have helped. Don't forget, I was listening to the largo movement of the Shostakovich Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor at the same time.

Next, I calculated 1 times 5. An easy one, the answer is 5. Then I had to remember to add on the 2. That makes 7. This is where it gets kind of tricky. Where do you put the 7? And can you now forget about the 2? First things first. The 7 goes next to the 5. Which was where? Somewhere in the middle of my head. And the 7 goes next to that on the left. So I have 75. This represents 75 cents. So far so good. And yes, you can now forget about the 2.

Now it gets a little bit more musical. Rachel is playing beautifully, and every now and then her bow squeaks and there is a little glint of light playing over the front of her cello. I know too that her plait, which none of us can yet see, will be dyed red. 1 times 5 is 5. Put the 5 under the ......waaah! This is where I said to myself, You fool etc.