Milk and human kindness

Sarah's neighbour, Mrs Robinson, seemed delighted to see Kate - and totally unfazed to see me in tow.

As she dug out the key from a drawer, she said, "you'll be needing some milk, if you're going to have a cuppa. Here, take this."

With everything that had happened lately, this simple act of kindness almost made me want to cry.

Only the thought of looking a complete arse stopped my tears.

"Where did you say you were parked again, love?" she asked Kate.

"Oh, just round the corner. I'd picked the wrong street like an idiot, and it didn't seem worth moving it, to be honest. We'll sort it out tomorrow - it's not in anyone's way."

"Well, if you're sure," said Mrs Robinson, uncertainly. "Just these days, it pays to keep an eye on your car round here, sad to say. Kids coming down from the city, just taking off with your car, or smashing the windows. Same all over, it seems to be.

"I remember when this was a nice estate. Oh, where are my manners? You two must be wanting to rest after your journey."

At last she'd picked up on the fact we were edging towards the door.

"Anyway, have a nice evening, and I hope you sleep well. Feel free to pop in tomorrow morning, won't you."

Once we were safely in Kate's friend's hall and had shut the door, I let out a laugh. "She could talk for Britain, couldn't she."

"Don't be rotten, you. She's a lovely woman, and I won't hear a word said against her. Now, have you not got that kettle on yet?"



Story begins here.