I learned there’s no time like the present

WHEn i was nine, i was allowed to play in the local park after tea. But i was always being told off for coming home late. One day, having over-stayed my playtime, my mother was very cross with me by the time i arrived home. no doubt she

was worried. She said i deserved a good hiding. The problem was that the nights were getting lighter and i judged the time to go home by that, not realising how late it was. When Dad arrived home from work, he was told i needed to be punished. it shocked me when he did so because my sister and i were rarely smacked.

i was so upset that i told my favourite aunt about it. She took me to town on the Saturday and bought me a watch, saying: ‘you will never be late again, my darling.’ i have never forgotten her kindness and have endeavoured to be punctual ever since.

Mrs F. p. Currie, Stratford-upon-avon, Warks.