… is one of those characters who will run away with the story if you let them. I love when they turn up but I’m also wary.

“We need a TV out here.”

“We’ve discussed that, Dad.”

“Not when I was around. The TVs are better now. Ever heard of pixels? The picture’s great outside.”

“I like having TVs inside,” said Mrs. Plansky.

He gestured at her with a butter knife. “What if there’s something good on when you’re outside?”

“Like what?” That was unfair and Mrs. Plansky regretted it at once. He had no defense to a comeback like that. Why was she crabby today? Crabbiness was intolerable, meaning in herself. She could tolerate it in others, within limits.

But now he surprised her. “Like a space shot,” he said. “When they walk on the moon.”

Mrs. Plansky laughed. She reached out and patted his hand. “Next time they walk on the moon we’ll have a TV out here, I promise.”

(coming July 15, preorders very welcome)