Packed Off

Les stirred his tea rapidly, his mother eying him lovingly. God, this would be best for the both of us, he thought. "I'm sure you'll get a good price for the house. Think of all the money you'll make.

Elspeth wouldn't be beaten. She'd lived down Arnold Grove for fifty years and wasn't about to ship out for anyone. "Oh I can't leave, who will talk to Lily down at the dry cleaners? Her gaze ventured absent-mindedly to a row of small china cottages next to the kitchen.

Les forced a smile and leant forward more purposely. He knew what the house was worth, in monetary terms in meant early retirement for him. "You won't have any stairs to go up and down in the nursing home mother. They'll look after you. There are people there all the time for you.

"I don't want other people. She spat, clutching her handbag. "I enjoy my own company and I love my house. Besides, where would Charlie live?

Les had forgotten about Charlie, the bloated cat that seemed destined to out live even his mother. "Well, I'll look after him. He knew that wouldn't go down well. He got expelled from school for kicking a cat outside the school gates.

"I wouldn't let you within a mile of my little Charlie. Her tone was defiant: she pulled a scone towards her in triumph, sitting upright with her hands clasped together in closure.

"Mum, I just want what's best for you. He whined, deflated and defeated.

"Oh I'm getting what's best for me son, I always do. She smiled gently as he eyed the tablecloth sheepishly, hands in pockets, he was used to finishing second.