"Let me get this," Grandmother Hamilton said. She held up a hand to stifle the protests from the others at the table. "Your money's no good here."

Benjamin, her eldest grandchild, sighed in resignation. "You can't afford this. Not on your pension."

"Nonsense," the old woman replied. "I worked hard for this money - scrimped and saved. If I can't enjoy it now, then what was the point, eh?" She took the bill from the waitress and examined t carefully before extracting her purse from her handbag. "That should cover it," she said, placing a pair of notes and some coins onto a plate. "And a good tip, besides."

As the family stood up from the table, Agatha took her aged mother by the hand. "It's your birthday next week."

Grandmother Hamilton nodded and smiled. "It is. But don't go spending money on a foolish present for me. I won't live long enough to enjoy it."

"Alright." Angela had heard this from her mother every birthday for the last five years. "But can we at least treat you to a birthday tea?"

Grandmother Hamilton thought for a moment. "Of course,. dear. But I get to choose where - yes?"

Agatha nodded. "Of course, mother."

The next Saturday, the family was sat around their usual table. "You could have gone anywhere," Benjamin began. "But we're back here."

Grandmother Hamilton sniffed. "You agreed I could choose where I had mu birthday treat, and this is my favourite café. Besides, they know me here, and they know what I like."

Agatha rolled her eyes at Benjamin. "It's what she wants. You know your grandmother doesn't like change."

The family ate their way through the sandwiches and cakes, and drank pots of coffee and tea. Then, at the end of the meal, Grandmother Hamilton called for the bill. Agatha fumbled in her purse, bringing out her bank card. "Mother! we agreed that this would be our treat." She held the card out to the waitress.

"I'm sorry," the waitress said, her face flushing in embarrassment. "We don't take cards here."

Grandmother Hamilton smiled triumphantly and put her purse on the table. "I do like change. Would you like to borrow some of mine, dear?"