Rose sat down at the kitchen table with her book, the latest parenting guide, Dr James T. Kirk's How to Listen to Your Children So They Listen to You, (volume 27). On the table in front of her was a large pot of tea and a suitably huge tray of egg sandwiches. She did wonder if she'd made the right thing but it was all she had in the cupboard after the egg shortage a few weeks ago. When they were back in the Co-op, she was ashamed to say, she'd stocked up.
'Mum! There's a lion in the street,' called Sam from his vantage point in the front room.
If there's one thing Rose had learned as a parent it was not to be sarcastic, though at times that was hard. Dr Kirk said that when your child comes up with these ridiculous notions you should play along. It feeds their imagination thereby increasing intelligence. What the books didn't say was that it also makes them into very effective liars.
She had nothing else to do while she was waiting, so why not. 'Oh yes and what does he want?'
'He wants to come in.'
'What for?'
'His tea, he's hungry.'
Rose poured herself a cup. The pot was very heavy. Not having a tea cosy big enough, she draped a clean tea towel over the lid. 'Oh, does he want tea to eat or tea to drink? She called between sips.
'Both,' said Sam, still kneeling, Rose assumed, by the front window.
'What's his favourite food? She was actually feeling quite hungry now. She let her fingers creep towards the tray.
'Egg sandwiches!' called Sam.
Rose pulled her hand away.
Years ago, when there was that to do in the street with Rose's friend Sophie, Sophie's mum had been eaten out of house and home.
But that was then.
The front doorbell rang.
Rose stood up, brushed a few crumbs off her jogging bottoms and went to answer the door.
The hall was quite dark. When they renewed the front door last year, Rose had chosen the unglazed version. If she knew who was at the door what was the point in opening it?
But today she did know. He was expected and she was prepared.
So she opened the door anyway.
On the doorstep, was a large, elderly, but still very stripy tiger, leaning on a walking stick. 'Good afternoon, not too early I hope.' he said.
'Come on in,' said Rose, 'I've been so looking forward to your visit.'
Through the front room door, Rose caught Sam's look of disappointment. 'Tell the lion tomorrow. I'll get some more eggs.'