Phew! Now that’s what I call a great escape.

See, it’s Father’s Day today. So, dutifully, a week or so back I wrapped up my dad’s present. A book, just out, about one of his favourite restaurants.

Meanwhile, a close friend has just moved abroad. We bought her a leaving present, as one does. A book. Only somewhat older – a dusty volume, containing a history of corporal punishment through the ages.

I wrapped it. And now for the basic error: in the same wrapping paper as my dad’s gift. And then went to make myself a cup of tea.

It was only after popping the Father’s Day gift into the envelope, ready for my trip to the Post Office, that it occurred to me to double-check that I’d picked up the right book. There was nothing for it but to unwrap the volume – and it was a good thing that I checked. I mean, I know we know he’s fascinated by spanking, and so would have loved his surprising gift – but I doubt my mum would have approved of the illustrations in the book that he so nearly received.