Flat Battery, by John Hancock

“It’s not working.” Her little voice draws no reply.

“Mummy.” A pause for effect, then louder. “It’s not working.”

“Plug it in, the battery might be flat. Mummy’s busy.”

“It won’t, Mummy, it won’t.” The help me little voice overrides Mummy being busy.

“What have you got there darling. Show me?”

“See, it won’t work.” Little fingers tap and swipe.

“It’s a book darling. Where did you find it?”

“In your old toy box. How does it work?”

“Open it, like this and turn the pages.” Mummy, the teacher, waits.

“Why?”

“Mummy’s busy darling, I’ll get the iPad for you.”