Critical mistakes

The radio was playing, the sun was out and I was in a happy mood. My daughter was home for a few days and we were on our way out to lunch. While we waited at the traffic lights, a woman and her dog crossed the road. ‘The rest of her clothes must be in the wash,’ I said. ‘And let’s hope she’s on her way to the hairdresser!’

My daughter said nothing.

‘Funny how people end up looking like their pets,’ I added. The dog was large and ugly.

I glanced at my daughter. I thought she must be checking her phone since she hadn’t replied, but she was just staring ahead. We drove on in silence and then she said, ‘I bet that dog is really friendly. The woman has probably just popped out to get some fresh bread in