Say something to the boy.

Hines cleared his throat. The boy was engrossed in the television programme. But it was the news that was on. Imagine watching the news at 4 ½ years of age. Definitely a sign of genius. Perhaps he’ll become a Statesman. Yes, back home in Scotland my father was a bit of a radical. In all honesty one is bound to remark that much of one’s political awareness was gained at the old boy’s knee. He had the awesome habit of farting in public. Who put that in. I well remember my first, as it were, entry into the political arena. He carted me along to the garage wherein he was at the time employed, for in those days comma you must remember comma the species known as Busconductor was yet to become extinct. Little did the old chap realise this at the time but nevertheless he did achieve a minor notoriety, fame, call it what you will. I well recollect his settling me down on a bothy table – if you’ll forgive the expression – and vanishing downstairs. Merciful heavens.

Heh wee man, what did you think of it today? at the garage. Was it a load of rubbish?

Paul looked up.

Don’t take it too seriously. The buses is a rotten job. That’s how I jacked it. Terrible. Mummy’ll be back soon; you hungry?

Yes.

Heh listen, how come you say yes instead of aye all the time? Naw son, seriously.

Paul glanced at him, and then back to the television. A child is a dwarfish entity. Heh! fancy a game of snap?

Yes.

Paul’s laugh has also got that gurgling sound. It is a much better laugh than Hines’. But maybe he will develop something more akin to Hines’ in the years to come. Hines’ laugh is not a good one. In fact it sounds terrible, really bad – awkward almost. This isn’t to say it is unnatural. It just seems not to spring from a source of well-being. Now when Sandra laughs it makes a special sound – it could have a disinterested bystander wanting to rush up and throw his arms round her immediately. That is the difference between his laugh and hers. And Paul has hers, it is an expression of happiness.