Mother says
I was walking home and a woman came towards me. She was trying to control two dogs.
It wasn't going well. The dogs seemed to want to go in different directions. They were not big dogs but they obviously had minds of their own.
I waited until they got close and crouched down and offered each dog a biscuit. I always carry dog biscuits.
The woman looked down at me. My best description of her was frazzled.
"Thank you, they are driving me mad."
"No problem. I am always happy to talk to dogs, sometimes in preference to humans."
She laughed.
"You met my son in law then?"
I shrugged, not understanding the reference.
"Oh sorry, I have confused you. My son in law has left my daughter, she has had to go back to work full time and I have ended up walking her dog and my husband's dog twice a day."
I was beginning to get the picture.
"Can I help you walk them back home, unless you live in Australia. I am Martin."
"I am Celia."
She laughed and it lit up her face. A very nice sight to see.
I took her daughter's dog and she took the other one. We walked along and chatted.
I have two dogs of my own, so there was plenty to say.
We arrived at what I assumed was her house and she stopped outside.
"Thank you so much."
She smiled and the dogs started to bustle around obviously looking for more dog biscuits.
I am a soft touch and gave in.
I offered to help her walk them and initially she refused, didn't want to put me in any trouble, but soon agreed. Two dogs was at least one too many.
We met again the next day and walked around the area where we lived. I steered the walk away from my house as it was simpler not to explain to my wife about this woman. Actually there was no problem that day as my wife was not home, but we set a routine walking route for the future.
We talked. I knew she was married, by the sound of it, not entirely happily and I told her I was married, which didn't surprise her.
After the walk we went into her house to let the dogs into her back garden after handing over the bribe biscuits, they had been good and deserved a treat.
I was about to leave when she asked me how she could repay me. I told her there was no need.
She stood hesitating. I opened her door and turned to say goodbye. She leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek.
The next two days were a repeat.