A life lesson if ever there was one.

Some weeks previously, I had a need to drive my husband’s car.

I was only running down to Centra for a few scones.

But when I returned to where I’d left the car, I found that a van had parked a bit too near me, effectively hemming me in close to a rough-hewn stone wall.

Now I had to either reverse out of a tight space or wait for the van driver to come back. Carefully, so very carefully, I edged gently backwards.

Ah, me, why didn’t I just wait.

There was a thin, metallic screech and when I got out to investigate, I found the wall had etched a deep scratch into the passenger side.

This was so unfair! Oh my God!

Once I’d calmed down and driven home, I parked so the scratch was faced away from the house. I was positive he didn’t see it.

The next time he needed his car, I generously suggested he use mine, saying that his was almost out of petrol.

Once he was out of the way, I hurried to the garage, where I pointed out the damage, explained the situation, and swore them to silence.

“I mean it,” I warned them. “Not a word. No beating on that goddamn bush telegraph, now.”

“I suppose you were only running down to Centra for a few scones,” one of them said,........

© Evening Echo