Adoration

Stopped by a red light. Fingers drumming on the steering wheel. Window down to enjoy the cooling evening breeze. Music on.

Out of the local shop come a young, wavy-haired father with trousers at half-mast, and his delightful seven-year-old daughter. Contentment is etched on their faces. They chatter, waiting for the "little green man" to let them cross the road. As they cross the father bends low and says something into his daughter's ear. At once she raises her arm aloft, walking confidently in the knowledge that this small arm, held perfectly vertically, will repel all oncoming vehicles. On reaching the safety of the pavement, she looks up adoringly into her father's face; he looks down adoringly, at the four 500ml cans of Kirin Lager beer nestling in his shopping bag.