The Key to the future

After yesterday’s excitement, we thought today might seem dull in comparison. We had spent yesterday  trawling the internet for ideas on how to fit out our van and competing as to who could come up with the most original ideas. It was like working on the bus all over again. A book on interiors and a DVD on how to do it are on their way.
I woke Jim in good time and as he struggled to remember who he was and who I am, I regaled him with my night time thoughts. What about raising the roof and sleeping up there; had he noticed a spare wheel when we saw the bus; what about a tall cupboard fitted out with baskets; where could we put hanging baskets etc.. etc.
Jim had ideas on kitchens as we ate breakfast. He then went over to see Kath and Bill about using their garage to keep it in and what modifications we might need to make to the garage to be able to use it.
We were due to meet the seller in order to pay him and collect the log book and other paperwork. The van looked just as good in the light as it had in the dark. There were no unexpected areas of rust. The paintwork was still as bad; it did have a spare wheel underneath which surprised the seller as much as us. He even tired to make the engine turn over for us. It made a noise but didnt start but we were excited anyway. Money and paperwork and keys were exchanged while Jim tried to elicit sponsorship deals the boss with some success.

The deal being completed with the compulsory handshake.

We had the photo shoot; Jim posed with the handbook while I planned curtains and soft furnishings etc. We said goodbye to our new baby and headed off to buy some chicken feed. Then, disaster. Just as we were loading the car Jim discovered that the keys were no longer in his pocket!!
We both searched his pockets, the car, the folder of papers and the car again. Pieces of paper and other bits of rubbish that had been patiently been waiting to be disposed of were tossed about, seats were moved backwards and forwards several times but all to no avail. He kept saying ‘’I’m sure I would have heard them if I had dropped them’.  I nearly dropped him on the third time he said it.
We went back to the van. The security cameras triggered and we left a comedy video on them for the entertainment of the company. The keys were not in the locks, the doors were locked, the pile of sand contained no keys neither did the whole compound.
We searched the car and Jim’s pockets again in case a miracle had occurred but no joy. We had been the proud owners for fifteen minutes and now, not only would the engine not start but the doors were locked and we had lost the only set of keys! Could be a bit difficult.
We retraced our steps back to the car park where we had bought the chicken feed. We searched the car park. I think Jim wanted me to crawl under the parked cars in the search but you have to draw the line somewhere.  It was now beginning to get dark so we took refuge inside the building. I went to the customer desk and asked ‘has anyone seen any keys?’ The relief was palpable when they said’ yes’. They had been left by the till on the counter where we had been served. No wonder he didn’t hear them drop! He put them there!
We now have a future with our camper again. I am ordering a new set of keys tomorrow!