“I heard them on the radio today, talking about the names celebrities had for their babies, like Rocket Zot or Saint West.”

“Are they for boys or girls?”

“Damned if I know. It probably doesn’t matter. Perhaps we could go for something closer to home like Krichauff Dan Woodcroft or Correll Paula Woodcroft.”

Paula knew better than to ask but she couldn’t help herself. “More celebrity children?”

“No, they’re varieties of wheat.”

Dan’s suggestions were plain ridiculous but it had sparked an idea. She went back to practising her breathing exercises.

“Do you think all that will help?” he said.

“I hope so. We mustn’t forget next week’s class is on Wednesday night instead of Monday. I don’t want to miss it. The exercises certainly made me feel more comfortable and that back rub was divine.”

“Well, little lady.” Dan reached across to pat her knee. “I’m sure I could perfect my method in the privacy of our own home.”

He turned the car into the house yard then came to an abrupt halt.

“Far out! The place looks like a bloody Christmas tree.”

Paula stared. Every light in and around their house was switched on.

“We may not get a lot of privacy for a few days.” She leaned over and kissed him. “But I will hold you to the promise of a back rub.” Paula got out of the car.

“I forgot we had visitors,” Dan muttered.

“What’s going on?” Paula said. Susan was alone in the kitchen reading a magazine.

“What do you mean?”

Paula crossed to the door that led to the side verandah. “Every light is on.”

“Oh, don’t turn that one off. Mum and Dad are out there somewhere.”

Paula peered through the screen door. She couldn’t see anyone but could hear the murmur of voices.

“It all started when Mum thought she heard something rustle in the bedroom,” Susan said. “You know how she is about mice. Every light was turned on and every corner examined. Poor Rupert is fast asleep with a lamp on so she can check he doesn’t have chew marks on his ears.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Paula shook her head. “We don’t have any mice and even if there were a few, Rupert is quite safe.”

“I know, don’t panic.” Susan grinned. “Mum will calm down. I’m just humouring her. Dad made her a cup of tea. Would you like one?” Susan got up to switch on the kettle. “They were sitting out on the verandah. Just before you came home I heard Mum say something about the daisy bushes.”

“Oh, I was going to tell her about that. The sheep got into the yard and they’ve chewed them off. Hopefully they haven’t killed them.”

Dan came into the kitchen. “Killed what?”