Sixteen whacks? I won’t be able to sit down for a week!”
“Oh, I’m sure you will, Clare honey,” Anthea replies.
“You might be feeling a bit sore tomorrow, though.
You’ll have to be careful with those hard wooden seats, won’t you?”
“And don’t forget I’ve already had young Joanna whacking me as hard as she could.”
“Okay, four each.” Anthea agrees.
“Oh, I’m disappointed. Sara says, sarcastically.
“Thanks,” I say, with genuine feeling!
“But you make the coffee, Clare.” Anthea continues.
“Fair enough.” Say I.
“And…” Anthea wants more.
“Yes?” I question with some hesitancy.
“Oh no,” I respond.
“I do think so, don’t you Clare?”
“What do you say, Sara?”
“I think Clare should choose, actually Anthea.”