Day 341

Was at my parents' typing up my brother's dissertation when a fire broke out in the kitchen. The cooker hood caught fire and, being plastic, burnt like fuck and gave off thick black smoke. Me and my mother could not control the fire so I rang the fire brigade. I was calm, as I reckoned the fire had gone out already.

The woman next door came home. 'Have you had a fire?' she said. I looked around at the two fire-engines parked outside and the smoke-blackened net curtains. 'Yes,' I said.

But all the neighbours were very helpful and kind, it restored my faith in human nature. I feel a lot better now, having competently dealt with a real crisis rather than apprehended a hundred imaginary ones. I'm not so useless after all!

The fire put the Budget in the shade (nothing that really affects me). The whole thing was quite exciting, and a true Adventure. Nancy and Bilbo, I hope, will continue to be proud of me.