Pigs on the wing

摘要

"Come on, Kirsty. Get a wriggle on!" Frank has another look at his watch and glances out the window. No panic yet, but they're cutting it fine. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" Kirsty (age 6) not so much descends the stairs as free-falls into the living room, a flurry of brightly decorated limbs that seem to make contact with everything but the ground. Forward momentum absorbed by collision with the waiting adult, she gets to her feet, gives her uncles legs a brief hug and presents herself for inspection. "Nice one, kiddo. Let's hit the road." BreathEazys firmly in place, the two scamper through the heat and haze of the forecourt to the carpool. Frank checks the gauge, disconnects the charger and bundles his niece into the waiting vehicle. Sliding in alongside, he seals the doors, gives the air a quick flush and keys in his ID.