Not the consolation it might have been

The lights in the main stairwell have been out all week. Luckily we are well-versed in groping about in the dark but there is some concern for visitors. The stairwell is the responsibility of the shopping centre we're attached to, even though we still haven't paid this quarter's rent because somebody who will remain nameless has been sitting on the invoice. (Literally)

Maisie rings the shopping centre management to try and get something done.

"We're a bit concerned that it's a health and safety hazard."

"Oh, I shouldn't worry about that: the place is full of health and safety hazards."

We're trying our best to find this reassuring.