NEGOTIATIONS

'Look,' I began, 'I'm sorry there were a couple of places we didn't get to visit…'

'Seven places!' Wilson interrupted to correct my arithmetic.

'And I'm as sorry as anyone that we didn't get to them, but there was a cancellation at the hospital that meant I could have my operation sooner than expected.'

W sniffed, but said nothing.

'I suppose we COULD go back to Dorset to finish off the holiday. But,' – and here I played my Ace Card – 'it's getting very near to Hallowe'en, then Bonfire Night, and then Xmas. I just don't think we could fit it all in…'

This hung in the air for a few awkward moments, so to fill the silence I continued, 'However, as soon as the weather improves after Xmas, I'm sure we could manage another holiday – either to Dorset, or maybe to somewhere new.'

Wilson glanced at Nërp, who nodded imperceptibly.

'Yesss!' W replied, punching the air. 'YESSSSS!!!'

Say what you like about him – Wilson is a skilled negotiator!

Now I'm left wondering how he will fill the time between now and our next holiday…