Meet the Neighbours

The Little Boy next door has an even smaller brother who is all curls and toothy smiles but it will be a while before he emerges from the shadows so for now it is the Little Boy, aged four, who is our hero with his tractor boots, woolly hat and extensive knowledge of cars. He presses his nose against the window while we eat breakfast and I lean out to discuss life and other matters. Today there is an important assignment for him because we have won a basket of fruit in an auction and there is more than we can eat. Could he help us with our dilemma? He thinks he can and comes inside to assess the problem. The plums are set aside because they already have 'too many' at home, the apples are ignored and we all agree that the melon should be reserved for MissM. He carefully selects the most succulent nectarines and the best kiwi fruit and then announces that he will take the coconut. We are surprised and ask if he is planning to hang it up for the birds but he is appalled by our wastefulness. He tells us that he will hit it with a hammer or a rock and then cut it with a big knife so that he can eat the coconut. MrsM shudders at the thought of the damage to her reputation and proposes that he asks Mummy first. The Little Boy next door marches off with his arms full of fruit, mission accomplished.