Ouch

‘How much will it cost?’

Davina didn’t want to know, but she couldn’t help asking.

‘With the tyres six hundred and one pounds,’ the receptionist said.

Inside, conversations could hardly be heard. Especially with going deaf in one ear. Repeated in the quiet of the shopping centre, she sat down on the chairs reserved for Greggs customers. Her husband, inside drinking his latte, would lose all of his calm – he needed to keep his blood pressure under control.

‘I’ll call you back,’ she said.

Her son could help, but she didn’t like asking, but they were supposed to be going on holiday in a few days; they needed the car. ‘I got the price for the car . . . ‘

‘How much?’

‘With the tyres six hundred and one pounds.’

It was like a desert of silence, but eventually he said, ‘go on, I don’t mind.’

‘Don’t pay any rent for the next couple of months,’ she said.

It was helpful in a way, but not ideal.

At least they could go on holiday, which was needed by all concerned. A week away, with a beach, swimming, and very little stress. Their first holiday in three years. COVID took their first holiday, but now they were all looking forward to a stress free vacation.

Fingers crossed.