In the CLUB

Linda hoped to spend more time with her husband - but where?

- 

Something was wrong. Linda could hear Colin humming. Not the casual, cheerful hum of a favourite tune - this reminded her of an irritated bluebottle trapped against a glass window.

'Everything OK?' she asked, glancing round the garage.

By the door was a small pile of stuff that Colin must have decided to discard, but the shelves were still stacked high with his equipment and tools, including the big lathe and a jigsaw.

He pulled a face.

Linda put an arm round him.

'I hate this,' Colin said. 'I didn't think downsizing would mean no more tools.' 'We agreed,' Linda said.

'It's not downsizing. The flat is big but easier to maintain.

We can't manage the garden or the repairs here any more.' 'It doesn't have a garage,' Colin muttered. 'Or enough space.' She n the g in hi 'Let's go and have another look,' Linda said. 'We'll measure the storage room in the basement and see.' She saw him press his lips together, but he followed her into the house.

'I'll drop these off at the charity shop,' Linda said, nodding towards a couple of large plastic bags in the hall.

It was easier for her to manage her hobby. She could keep her knitting needles and sewing machine in the flat.