Finally settling down, I sipped at my dinner, the roast beef was superb, cooked just long enough to have that, wonderfully re-assuring, shade of pink. Carrots, the red-orange of an autumn sunset just to the side, lots of dark green cabbage, and what looked to be fresh new potatoes with butter and just a touch of mint.

I took my time, having just a little of each, savouring the rich tastes. A long day had left me tired and hungry and a good meal was just what I needed. But it was not to be, sudden movement, something coming at me from the side, slightly behind, I jumped.

My eyes fixed on the rolled-up newspaper as it rushed towards me, my wings took me up and away. It almost caught me, brushing against my thorax as I swerved to avoid it.

I turned, just in time to see the paper connect with the plate, sending beef, vegetables, and gravy spilling over the table. Happy, I knew that some would be left somewhere, on the floor, on the table, plenty for a little guy like me.