I nod. I nod in a way as to suggest that she will be telling me more. No. That would appear to be that. The battery has gone flat. I thought some words of wisdom would make it not be flat, but no, something will have to be done.

Then sun comes out. Had it come from behind clouds a couple of hours earlier, engine would now be working. I think sun might actually be smirking, but I can't be sure.

Sweetheart passes me some thick pieces of cable, so we can be towed. As I walk over to a nearby car to ask for assistance, I hear her tell me that they are "jump leads." I've heard of these.

Well, fortunately, at this point, I learn that she isn't entirely sure which nasty bit is positive, which is negative. I feel on level terms again, though awkward. The couple in car I had been approaching are watching. I can do one of two things here. I can endanger myself considerably, or simper inanely, allowing man in other car to impress his girlfriend no end with his knowledge of electrical currents.

My simper melts him. He's only too pleased to attach leads correctly, rev his engine to point where I'm frightened and impress his girlfriend into bargain. His ability to have his car remain stationary whilst he depresses accelerator to level that would have had him pulled over on motorway, had he been in gear, causes blonde in his passenger seat to visibly swoon with delight. She's impressed.

Turns out my sweetheart was more impressed that I didn't know how to sort out a flat battery...