Meet me in the FUTURE

Isobel came to such an abrupt stop that Becky, following behind and gazing rapturously at the colourful boats piled high with flowers, almost knocked her into the canal.

‘Mum, what on earth are you doing?’

But Isobel was staring at a book on the table outside a small bookshop. The front cover showed a man’s face surrounded by pictures of animals and birds. The title was in Dutch of course. The smiling shopkeeper handed it to her.

‘Please, take a look. It is the latest bestseller.’

Isobel took it as if in a dream. She seemed to have lost the power of speech. Becky took charge, handed the man 20 euros and grasped her mother firmly by the arm.

‘OK, Mum? It’s nearly lunchtime and I’m starving. I think we both need a big Dutch pancake and some strong coffee. What do you say?’

She steered Isobel to a pavement table where the book sat between them. Becky picked it up and looked at Isobel, whose colour seemed to be returning as