Читать книгу William’s Progress - Matt Rudd - Страница 47

Even though we both disagree with Valentine’s Day, even though it is a stupid American invention designed to keep us as impoverished slaves of the capitalist system, even though I spent eight million quid at Budding Ideas last year (motto still: ‘Flowers for that special occasion or just because you want to say I love you.’ Spew), I have no choice but to return and spend another eight million quid this year on a dozen long-stemmed red roses.

Then we have an argument because twenty minutes after I present them to her, I discover them in a vase in the bedroom…with the long stems cut off.

‘I wanted to use this vase.’

‘The short one?’

‘Yes, the short one.’

‘So you cut off the long stems?’

‘Yes, is that a problem?’

‘Well, I could have saved seven and a half million pounds if I’d known you were going to cut the stems off.’

‘Do you want me to get the stems out of the bin, or can I enjoy the flowers you gave me in the way I want?’

Eight million pounds out of pocket and an argument for my troubles. But I decide to remain circumspect. We are both very tired and very ratty. It is no wonder that little things are triggering arguments more than usual. I must remain calm. I must remain calm because this is the first step on the long Zen Path to the Mastery of Parenting.