Yesterday Sebastian and I went for foot massages.

We had a couple of stops to make first.

Young Seb was NOT impressed to hear that we would not be marching directly to Happy Foot, until we arrived at our first destination, FLOW second hand bookstore.

Well, the look in his eyes when he saw the shelves crammed full of books, bags filled with books not even filled…..I let him roam through the middle reader's section while I did one of the things I enjoy most (now that I have a Kindle I can't buy books at a second hand store but I still love them) when visiting a bookshop…correctly alphabeticising books. I went over to S's because it gave me a good view of Seb and first I put all the Alexander Mc Call Smith's together, and from there, I happily whipped those S's shipshape.

I didn't feel like bending so I didn't take care of the T's, but I managed to get some of the W's done.

Seb made his purchases, and we left. Our next stop was Starbucks, where with coupons we bought hot chocolate and a tea.

Then finally to Happy Foot.

In the lift I cautioned Seb that he had to use his inside voice and really, only to talk when necessary.

The main room was filled with hung over people enjoying a foot massage. A few looked up in dismay to see a young boy entering. Several looked up and smiled. Seb quietly took his seat. We took off our shoes and socks, and plunged our feet into the buckets of hot water. Over the course of the next 50 minutes, Seb and I maybe exchanged 15 sentences. I asked him five times if he was happy, and every time he answered, "oh yes."

And he was. Seb has a very expressive face, and this look of incredible peace comes over him in key times. This was one of them. He giggled a bit, but otherwise he was such a good boy. I was so proud of him. LOVED HIM. The look on his face was utter bliss and contentment. I had such joy just looking at him, especially given the tiny bombshell that had just been thrown on his lap earlier.

After 50 minutes the massage ended and we headed for home on the 55 bus. Seb ate a chocolate muffin and agreed it had been a wonderful day. He said his feet were, wait for it, happy, and that he wanted to return to Happy Foot tomorrow. I asked if he wanted to pay for it. He said no, but if I wanted to make his feet and whole body happy, we should go back "very very soon, mummy".

I think we will, especially since Jasper, Sela and Carys haven't given me a moment's peace since they learned about the adventure.