Finding a parking space in Broughton these days is like finding a parking space in Broughton. It's near-on impossible and you end up repeating yourself continuously as you go round the bend.
When I found a space right outside our front door the other week, I imagined myself never using the car again: Why risk losing such a prime parking spot?
However, it was inevitable that I would have to move out of that space eventually, especially when I found myself in possession of a brand new mini Left-Handed Tea Drinker. Perhaps if I were quick, I could do the weekly food shop and return before anyone had noticed I'd gone.
One of the many joys of parenthood is being able to use the parent-and-child parking spaces at the supermarkets. Finally, an opportunity to park close to the store in a roomy space without the worry of being packed in like sardines in a can, and no risk of scratches from car doors and scrapes from trolleys. I was about to relish this new supermarket lease of life ...
Imagine, then, how disappointed I was when all the spaces had been taken and I found myself parking at the other side of the car park. As the crow flew, I was now probably parked further away from the shop than I had been at home. This was not what I’d planned.
One gentleman was loading up his car as I casually remarked: ‘How nice it must be to get a space like this!’
He mumbled something inaudible in reply and, as he began to drive off, I noticed that he didn't actually have his child with him. A wave of horror and fellow feeling overtook me. I rushed to wave him down. He wound down the window.
‘I think you’ve left your child inside,’ I gasped.
‘I don't have a child,’ he replied in a gravelly voice, and sped off.
My plan was to wait and check if any more customers had forgotten their children or had pinched a space that was rightly meant for me, but my very own little LHTD wasn't up for the challenge (just yet). We decided to leave that new mission for another time, making a mental note that these spaces are ours and we intend to use them.
As we trundled back, the closest parking space we could find was closer to the supermarket than our home. Perhaps we should have brought a trolley with us. In future we will fight for the parent-and-child spaces that rightfully belong to us, even if it entails losing a space right outside the house.
Or we could walk and take the trolley home with us.
Better yet, we'll shop online.
