Motivation and Flight Centre Staff

Motivation and Flight Centre Staff Introduction Flight Centre is one of the world’s leading travel agency organizations. Headquartered in Australia, Flight Centre has branches in the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand. It offers a wide variety of services in the air travel industry. Flight Centre has nearly 10,000 staff, and motivation of such a vast number of workers in different countries and continents requires different motivation techniques.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Motivation and Flight Centre Staff specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The motivation techniques used for Flight Centre workers in these different areas should take cognizance of the form of work done by the employees, the environmental surroundings, and the employee needs and thus cannot use identical motivation techniques. Maslow’s Motivation Theory Maslow’s motivation theory states that the desire to fulfil unmet needs drives and motivates human beings in whatever they do. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs presents the basic human needs as being â€Å"physiological, followed by safety needs, social needs, and then esteem needs† (Berl Williamson 1987, p.53). When all these needs are satisfied, an individual is then able to attain self-actualization. As an all-encompassing theory on motivation, Maslow’s motivation theory applies to Flight Centre staff across the board. All the employees of Flight Centre, across the different continents, need to have their basic physiological needs met, regardless of rank or position in the organization. Therefore, Flight Centre employees will be motivated when the organization meets their basic physiological needs such as food, shelter, and education through proper and appropriate remuneration. Furthermore, Flight Centre employees involved in actual travel, in the process of transfer of documents and delivery of packages between Flight Centre and its clients, will be motivated by havin g their on-the-job safety needs catered for. Therefore, in a general sense, Maslow’s theory of motivation can apply across the board for employees of Flight Centre insofar as their motivation is derived from the satisfaction of their basic physiological and psychological needs. Incentive Theory and Flight Centre Employees One of the best motivators for workers and employees worldwide is adequate remuneration for work done. B.F Skinner’s incentive theory states that, when positive behaviour is rewarded, the behaviour is likely to be repeated. Therefore, through tangible and intangible rewards, employees can be motivated to perform to higher standards. One of the most common incentives for motivation is higher pay. When employees realize that they can receive better pay by performing their duties to a higher standard, they are likely to strive to achieve these standards.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get y our first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the Flight Centre employees in the different countries can be motivated through receiving competitive salaries and wages. However, different sets of employees are motivated differently. For instance, those working for Flight Centre on short-term contracts may be motivated to put more effort and skill in their work in order to obtain permanent employment terms. Staff in managerial positions may be motivated with rewards of higher job titles and definitive managerial positions. Overall, the creation of reward schemes within the internal structure of the organization provides adequate incentive to motivate employees to work at levels that are more intensive. Schemes that create an award for employees every month – â€Å"Employees of the Month†, and other such continuous reward schemes, can be an integral source of motivation for Flight Centre employees. Goal Setting Theory of Motivation and Flight Centre e mployees The goal setting theory states that, employees can gain motivation and interest in their work when they develop clear goals to be achieved within specific periods. The Goal Setting theory, when applied to Flight Centre employees, may involve setting goals for the different cadre of employees. For instance, employees involved in the actual advertisement and recruiting of clients for Flight Centre may set goals on the number of new clients they can attempt to bring in for the organization each month or year. Employees involved in the daily interaction with clients (for instance Front Office employees) can target to reduce the number of negative feedbacks by clients. Similarly, the senior management can set goals on reducing the number of employee turnover annually. When such goals are set, the employees have clear targets that they can strive to achieve, and therein find motivation for their jobs. Since Flight Centre has branches in different countries, the goals set by these different branches should factor in the national, gender, cultural, and environmental factors wrought by the different locations. For example, a flight centre branch in Asia, which has collectivist cultures, should be careful to set goals that promote overall cooperation between employees since individualistic goal setting and achievement is frowned upon in Asian countries. Conclusion In conclusion, as discussed in this paper, Flight Centre cannot use identical motivation techniques in all its branches and activities. Since Flight Centre is an international organization with branches in different countries across different cultures, each Flight Centre branch has a unique set of employees and functions. The motivation techniques applicable in these branches will thus vary, considering the nature of the work involved, the type of employee in need of motivation, and the type of motivation appropriate. Reference Berl, R., Williamson, N., 1987. A Review of the Content Theories of Motiv ation asAdvertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Motivation and Flight Centre Staff specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They Apply to Sales and Sales Management. American Business Review, 5(1), pp. 53-58.

20 Poetry Research Paper Topics and Ideas

20 Poetry Research Paper Topics and Ideas It may seem that poetry is difficult to study, research, and even read sometimes due to its numerous genres, writers, and forms. Poetic styles are indeed innumerable, and artistic movements that existed throughout history were represented by many talented and poets, yet poetry as a discipline is still a fascinating subject to study. Therefore, by researching poetry, one can get acquainted with its multiple subgenres, techniques, forms, themes, and those people who create those pieces. Moreover, studying poetry boosts one’s creativity, broadens the worldview, develops writing, reading, and speaking skills, as well as helps to learn to look at things from a different perspective. Finally, reading poetry is an aesthetically pleasing experience. Thus, writing essays is one of the parts of studying poetry, and this subject can be researched in numerous ways. When a professor asks you to write an essay on poetry, it is essential first to decide on a topic. Taking into account that this discipline is a rather extensive one, it may be puzzling for a student to choose what to write about. You can either dwell on a specific period of time, and all the works and poets connected with it or select a particular figure or verse to analyze. Besides, an essay can focus on a comparison of two poets or artistic movements, examine the thematic context of the work or dwell on someone’s biography. Consequently, you have numerous possibilities when deciding on a topic of a poetry research paper, and if you have difficulties with choosing a definite one, this list of topics may be helpful. Topics and Ideas for Poetry Research Paper Below you can find the topics for the poetry research paper: 1. Sylvia Plath’s Poetry This essay should focus on both the life of Sylvia Plath and her writing. Thus, you can mention some key facts from her biography, the literary movement she belonged to, and the most notable works. Next, it would be great to analyze her writing techniques based on some of her poems. 2. The Poetry of the Beat Generation: Allen Ginsberg’s Impact Dwell on the history of the appearance of the Beat movement, its most celebrated representatives, and the key ideas and positions of the Beat Generation. Then, connect this data to the life and activity of Allen Ginsberg who was one of the leading figures of the movement. Mention his social and political activism and influence on the overall activity of the Beat poets. 3. Peculiarities of Shakespeare’s Sonnets Shakespeare’s sonnets remain the most significant examples of poetry, which does not lose relevance and value. Therefore, enumerate the central characteristics of the sonnets, such as rhyme scheme, structure, meter, as well as main characters and themes. Provide some specific examples for each peculiarity and then compare how those sonnets differ from contemporary poetry. 4. The Use of Allusions in Poetry First, you can provide a definition of an allusion and mention some examples of it. Then, you also can analyze specific poems that contain allusions or write about the poets that preferred to include those devices in their works. Finally, write about the role of allusions and the effects that they create when used in specific contexts. 5. The Analysis of Charles Baudelaire’s The Flowers of Evil Dwell on Baudelaires life and work; mention his other works and the literary movement he belonged to. Next, briefly describe the history of the collections creation, and then talk about its peculiarities, the number of poems, the theme, and mention the sections it is broken up into. You can also focus on each part separately and write about the messages they carry. 6. Prose Poetry and Its Main Features Since poetry is not solely about rhyme, and it can have a form of prose, dwell on the main differences between the former and the latter and mention those poets that preferred to write in prose. You can also state the difference between prose and prose poetry, as those are also two different notions. Finally, describe the essential characteristics of prose poetry, paying attention to details. 7. Poetry and Feminism Focus on the history of the appearance of feminist poetry, factors that influenced its creation, central figures, and most celebrated pieces. Furthermore, the ideas and positions of the poets are also worth mentioning. Discuss both feminist poetry of the past and the present and decide upon the central features of both. 8. Jazz Poetry: From Past to Present Jazz can be discussed not only in the context of music but also as a separate genre of poetry. Thus, provide a detailed definition of the notion, talk about its creation, and include the data about its fundamental features. Dwell on its development during the Harlem Renaissance and the Beat Generation as well as modern times. 9. French Poetry of the 19th Century While writing an essay on this topic, make sure you provide information about Romanticism and those poets that influenced the movement. You could research those ideas and visions that had the most significant impact on the creation of the poems. Moreover, it is necessary to discuss the most outstanding writers of the period, their collections of works, and the most remarkable events that had some impact on the movement. 10. Nature and History of Japanese Haiku In this essay, define haiku and talk about its origin and development. Then, enumerate the key figures connected with this type of poetry, such as Buson, Issa, Shiki, and Basho. Finally, this essay can also include data about the form of haiku, its meter, and the number of lines. 11. Poets of Symbolism Numerous poets represent Symbolism, and your task is to discuss their work. Yet, the initial step is to mention what Symbolism is, its history of appearance, and the essential characteristics. After that, you can proceed to analyze the works of such poets as Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, or Arthur Rimbaud. You are free to choose any other poets if you want, yet those three are considered to be the most outstanding figures of the movement. 12. Who Needs Poetry? Discuss your personal understanding of the question while relying on the statements made by acclaimed scholars or poets. You can talk about the practical applications of poetry or focus solely on its aesthetic side. All in all, the person reading your essay should understand the role of poetry in the life of humanity. 13. Emily Dickinson and Gospel Poems Before writing about Dickinson’s work, dwell on her life path by mentioning the most important details from her life, such as her origin, movements she was involved in, and her most notable works. Even though Dickinson wrote numerous poems, your task is to research the Gospel poems. Thus, define the notion, give examples of those poems, and write about the reception of them in society. 14. The Poetry of the Romantic Period In this essay, include the definition of Romanticism, its origin, and a brief outline of its development. Enumerating the poets that were involved in the movement is vital, yet choose two or three of them for your thorough analysis. After selecting the poets, focus on the techniques they used, ideas and themes of their poems, as well as how their works represent the overall character of the period. 15. Edgar Allan Poe and His Philosophy of Poetry Even though Edgar Allan Poe is a widely known figure, there still is a lot to discover about him. Therefore, try to find the information that may be unknown for an ordinary person; discuss his vision of poetry in details. You may include some citations from his works to illustrate your arguments, as well as dwell on his writing techniques and style. 16. Main Themes of Walt Whitman’s Poetry Before writing about the themes, write about Whitman’s life, legacy, and style. Then, enumerate the themes and try to find those poems that can be applied to illustrate them. For instance, mention that the poem â€Å"Ashes of Soldiers† dwells on the theme of war. Finally, you can also cite some of his poems that most apparently illustrate particular themes. 17. Spoken Word Poetry in the 21st Century Before writing the essay, you can search for the performances of the contemporary poets on YouTube to get inspired. It can help you chose those artists that you will mention in your essay and analyze. For instance, you can write about Sarah and Paul Kay, Neil Hilborn, and others. Finally, write about modern contests of spoken word poetry and its perception in society. 18. The Impact of John Keats on Poetry This essay can include the data about Keats’ biography, most outstanding works, and his writing techniques. Furthermore, dwell on his impact on the world of poetry in the past and on his perception in the 21st century. You can also write about the letters he wrote, as those influenced a number of other poets of that time. 19. Is Rhyme an Essential Element of Any Poem? Enumerate the critical elements of poetry. Since rhyme is not among them, explain why it is not as important as other elements. In your work, you can mention free verse, prose poetry, and those poets that did not use rhyme in their works. Discuss the structure of free verses and provide examples of the most notable pieces. 20. Blank vs. Free Verse These types of verse are frequently being confused, and your task is to help ordinary people understand the difference between the two. Thus, enumerate the key elements and characteristics of each of them, do not forget to dwell on their differences and similarities, and find examples to support your statements. Conclusion Hence, writing a poetry research paper is not as complicated as it may seem. The key to writing a proper essay is choosing a topic that fascinates you and that you personally want to research. After doing it, make sure that you focus on all the fundamental details, such as historical events, dates, as well as notable poets and their works. When analyzing poems, pay attention to their rhyme, rhythm, meter, form, and the techniques applied by the authors. Besides, you can always refer to various books and scholarly articles related to your topic and cite them to support your arguments. Therefore, after reading the list of topics and ideas, you may choose the one suitable for you and either leave as it is and research it or alter it according to your preference or the task.

Stage 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stage 2 - Essay Example One of the requirements of this response is that the database must be regularly updated upon arrival of a new customer. Employees should also provide time and day when they can offer the best to customers. This process of linking customers and employee is facilitated by Myra just by a click of button leading to direct contact of top management and clients. Donald H. Sheldon (2006) notes that, â€Å"No role that is important to ensure success of a master scheduling than that of top management.† In conclusion, UMUC haircut is transforming organization input to output using business processes to develop a scheduling system. Waite (2008) observed that this conversion leads to effective and efficient customer needs satisfaction. In addition to this, UMUC haircut customers can be sent personalized messages using phone number and notified on the availability of the service. According to Turaban, Volonino and Wood (2013), the use of recent technology such as tablets and ipads has contributed to fast reporting process and cost cutting of expenses broadband. This will highly contribute to the reduction of customer delays in premises resulting to attraction of more customers thus leading to a competitive

Women and Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Women and Terrorism - Essay Example Once so defined, those affected may become international lepers. Hence the nature of their movement; its objectives, ideology, and historical reason for being will be dismissed out of hand. The second stage in the 20th century transformation of terrorism was the growth of state sponsorship. Historically, the representation of women increases during the second wave of terrorism, although it is never very high. Also, the proportion of "supporters" relative to "regulars" and "leaders" grows in the second wave. Yet when researchers look at their places of birth and adult residence, the case for the diffusion of neo-Fascist terrorism by expansion weakens (Mason 37). Measured both in terms of where they were born and resided the early neo-Fascists were a more geographically dispersed collection of people than the later ones. So far as the terrorists' gender is concerned, somewhat surprisingly the late leftists did not show a statistically significant increase in female representation as against the early contingent (Mason 38). There is a shift, however, in the kinds of women who appear during the second period. The data suggest an increase in the proportion of married women who participated in the left-wing groups. The most famous [women terrorist] is Ulrike... Furthermore, second generation women were more likely to play leadership roles in these groups than were women who joined the earlier formations. Palestinian women terrorist leadership has been sufficiently successful that it may have provided at least some motivation for the September 11 attacks. States which are unable to confront their enemies conventionally have provided every imaginable assistance to terrorist groups in order to weaken their enemies physically or morally. Although the original acts of Palestinian terror have brought some international condemnation upon the perpetrators, Israeli responses have resulted in even worse condemnation for Israel (Bassam 83). Formal U.N. reprimands weaken Israel's moral position, which affects its relations with the U.S. Government. Ironically, the attacks have not weakened the Israelis physically; if anything, the attacks have moved the Israelis to new levels of proficiency in eradicating the threat. A crucial factor in the rise to prominence of the women participation has been the evolution of modes of violent behavior over time. If violence is viewed as an ongoing component in human relationships, rather than as a moral consideration, it is clear that the eras of conventional warfare and, in turn, nuclear warfare, have been respectively organized, institutionalized, and for the most part deterred (with no guarantee over future breakdowns) (Neuberger and Valentini 24). As persons have devised capabilities to deal with these forms of violence, it is not surprising that advocates of violence have turned to unconventional forms of warfare-first guerrilla warfare (liberation movements), and eventually to

Bilbo Baggins Fake Facebook Essay Example for Free

Bilbo Baggins Fake Facebook Essay Bilbo Baggins on Fakebook! Create a Fake Facebook Profile Wall using this generator Tw eet 0 Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes. It is NOT affiliated with Facebook or any other social networking site. Bilbo Baggins Edit Profile Friends [add] Gandalf Thorin Hello all! My life has been a very calm, peaceful life that has been cozy and comfortable. I come from a noble ancestry and a happy, content family. I live in a hole called Bag End in a snug little village under a hill. I loved my life, even though it was a quiet life. Not much thrill in my daily experience of eating, cleaning, smoking, and relaxing, but that is how I liked it,in my own little world you could say. This all changed one day when an experience I had started a domino affect on my life with many adventures involved. It all started that one day while sitting on my porch, smoking a pipe, looking into the landscape when a mysterious man with a long beard, great staff, and massive dark blue cloak approached me. I recognized him as Gandalf, the famous wizard of the country . He asks me if I want to go on an adventure, but I quickly dismiss this question and excuse myself back into my house. I thought this would be the last time I would see him in a long period, but the next day, Gandalf plus 13 other dwarfs burst into my house clearing out my pantry during the process. Apparently I was chosen to be a burglar in this huge adventure to go to a dragons den and steal all the treasure that Smuag, the dragon, was guarding. The treasure originally belonged to Thorins grandfather dwarf, Thror who was the King at that time. Smuag the dragon killed and scattered all the people of Thrors village and has been at the mountain guarding the treasure ever since the incident. I then am basically forced to go on this mission but it was technically not forced because hey, who doesnt want an occasional adventure instead of the usual daily life? So I go on this adventure and fight off goblin, wolves, find secret rings, fight off extremely large spiders,travel miles and miles, get rescued multiple times, rescue others multiple times, find the treasure with a mad dragon to go with it, and start a war. You could say I had a pretty interesting experience. In conclusion, when I came home I found out people thought I had died because I had been gone for so long, so in reaction to my presence, people were completely shocked to see me. I lose many of my possessions because they were being auctioned off, but in the end, Im back at my cozy home at Bag End after a crazy, exciting adventure ,that was all worth it in the end. That was my experience. [Add Post] Thorin Friend Explanation- Thorin is chosen to be a friend of Bilbo because over the journey, they started to trust each other more and have a friendly relationship near the end of the journey. In the beginning when Thorin first meets Bilbo, he doesnt have much faith and belief in him and doesnt really communicate with him at first. Then when the story starts to go on, Thorin gets more respect for Bilbo and becomes more friendly to him. earlier today | comment. Gandalf Friend Explanation- Gandalf was chosen as a friend of Bilbo Baggins because first, he started the whole adventure by choosing Bilbo to be the burglar in the first place. He then helped Bilbo throughout the story giving him wisdom, teaching him lessons, and making a friendly relationship with him. They helped each other when needed, backed each other up, had conversations, and bonded with each other which are all things friends do. earlier today | comment Smaug the Dragon Non-Friend Explanation-Smaug would not friend Bilbo and Bilbo wouldnt want to friend Smaug for many reasons. First, Bilbo stole the treasure that Smaug was guarding. Second, when Bilbo and the others reached the dragon and the mountain where the treasure was, Bilbo and Smaug didnt really start off on the right foot with each other, you could say. Last but not least, Smaug wanted to kill Bilbo and i dont think you would want to be friends with someone trying and wanting to kill you. These are some main and obvious reasons why Bilbo wouldnt friend Smaug. earlier today | comment www. classtools. I than had to free all of them and fight off swarms of giant spiders wanting us to be there next meal. Another adventure I had in my journey was when me and my accomplices were trying to get away from the goblins and wargs at the same time. They were both chasing after us looking for revenge for deeds we had done earlier to them, like kill their leaders. We didnt know anywhere else we could go when we were in a forest so we decided to climb into the trees so nobody could reach us. This didnt necessarily work because once the goblins came, they lit the bottom of the trees on fire so basically, we were in a pickle. We were about to be ripped to shreds by the wargs and goblins eventually because the fire was slowly reaching up the tree, when suddenly the Lord of the Eagles and many other eagles swooped down and saved us from the terror that awaited us. My last adventure that was also very interesting was escaping the elves and having to save my friends then escape. I had to slip everyone out by secretly going to everyones cell with my magic ring on,which made me invisible. I then said that I will make sure nobody is left behind, and this is what i made true. We all escaped into barrels that were being released downstream for a party the elves were having later on and even though it was bumpy ride, it got us where we needed to go. I will never forget these experiences I had and have never wished that these events didnt happen since. earlier today | comment Carter Brydon Likes This I like his story and how he went through many challenges and achieved his final goal. This story seems like a fun, entertaining book that will hook the reader with its many exciting events and sequences. earlier today | comment Paige Brydon Likes This I thought that this experience that Bilbo was a very interesting adventure. I havent read the book but based on the summary and main idea of the book, I am drawn into reading the book because of the fantasy world but with amazing detail as well. After I will have read the book, I feel it would satisfy my want to read it and I will enjoy the book while reading it. earlier today | comment Bilbo Baggins FOR MORE INFORMATION- One cultural aspect of the life of Hobbits is that since we are small, we like to be in small, compact areas that are cozy and comfortable for our size. We dont like to be out in the open because of our size. We then feel too vulnerable out in the open because we arent the strongest race, you could say. This then leads to my second cultural aspect of being very peaceful and not having much tension with others. Since we are very vulnerable and small, we like to be on the good sides of others because even though we can put up a fight if needed, there arent many guarantees we will be on the winning side of these fights. We like having a simple, farming and calm life. The last cultural aspect is that we are very unique. We are normally very shy but under the right circumstances we can achieve great things. We look and act different then other species like humans. We are very social and caring for others but like to keep to our own business. We are short ans stout but we are proud of ourselves . earlier today | comment _ www. classtools. net/fb/96/NCMPe2 2/3 10/2/12 Bilbo Baggins on Fakebook! Create a Fake Facebook Profile Wall using this generator www. classtools. net/fb/96/NCMPe2 3/3

The World of Wrestling Essay -- essays research papers

Response 3 In The World of Wrestling by Roland Barthes, he takes the sport of wrestling and turns it into a modern day myth. He talks of the French wrestling scene describing the spectacle, the venues, and the wrestlers themselves. It is well known that wrestling itself isn’t real, just acting but it is still fancied by many people. The wrestler personalities are typically categorized the bastards and the good guys often having good fighting evil. The role a particular wrestler plays might also change from time to time as in the case of Hulk Hogan. This man changes faces more often then someone would change their socks, having his alliances and enemies changing from week to week.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The entrance music of a wrestler can be very important in reflecting the ch...

Part Five Chapter IV

IV A misty blue sky stretched like a dome over Pagford and the Fields. Dawn light shone upon the old stone war memorial in the Square, on the cracked concrete faà §ades of Foley Road, and turned the white walls of Hilltop House pale gold. As Ruth Price climbed into her car ready for another long shift at the hospital, she looked down at the River Orr, shining like a silver ribbon in the distance, and felt how completely unjust it was that somebody else would soon have her house and her view. A mile below, in Church Row, Samantha Mollison was still sound asleep in the spare bedroom. There was no lock on the door, but she had barricaded it with an armchair before collapsing, semi-dressed, onto the bed. The beginnings of a vicious headache disturbed her slumber, and the sliver of sunshine that had penetrated the gap in the curtains fell like a laser beam across the corner of one eye. She twitched a little, in the depths of her dry-mouthed, anxious half-sleep, and her dreams were guilty and strange. Downstairs, among the clean, bright surfaces of the kitchen, Miles sat bolt upright and alone with an untouched mug of tea in front of him, staring at the fridge, and stumbling again, in his mind's eye, upon his drunken wife locked in the embrace of a sixteen-year-old schoolboy. Howard Mollison was sleeping soundly and happily in his double bed. The patterned curtains dappled him with pink petals and protected him from a rude awakening, but his rattling wheezing snores had roused his wife. Shirley was eating toast and drinking coffee in the kitchen, wearing her glasses and her candlewick dressing gown. She visualized Maureen swaying arm in arm with her husband in the village hall and experienced a concentrated loathing that took the taste from every mouthful. In the Smithy, a few miles outside Pagford, Gavin Hughes soaped himself under a hot shower and wondered why he had never had the courage of other men, and how they managed to make the right choices among almost infinite alternatives. There was a yearning inside him for a life he had glimpsed but never tasted, yet he was afraid. Choice was dangerous: you had to forgo all other possibilities when you chose. Kay Bawden was lying awake and exhausted in bed in Hope Street, listening to the early morning quiet of Pagford and watching Gaia, who was asleep beside her in the double bed, pale and drained in the early daylight. There was a bucket next to Gaia on the floor, placed there by Kay, who had half carried her daughter from bathroom to bedroom in the early hours, after holding her hair out of the toilet for an hour. ‘Why did you make us come here?' Gaia had wailed, as she choked and retched over the bowl. ‘Get off me. Get off. I fuck – I hate you.' Kay watched the sleeping face and recalled the beautiful little baby who had slept beside her, sixteen years ago. She remembered the tears that Gaia had shed when Kay had split up with Steve, her live-in partner of eight years. Steve had attended Gaia's parents' evenings and taught her to ride a bicycle. Kay remembered the fantasy she had nurtured (with hindsight, as silly as four-year-old Gaia's wish for a unicorn) that she would settle down with Gavin and give Gaia, at last, a permanent stepfather, and a beautiful house in the country. How desperate she had been for a storybook ending, and a life to which Gaia would always want to return; because her daughter's departure was hurtling towards Kay like a meteorite, and she foresaw the loss of Gaia as a calamity that would shatter her world. Kay reached out a hand beneath the duvet and held Gaia's. The feel of the warm flesh that she had accidentally brought into the world made Kay start to weep, quietly, but so violently that the mattress shook. And at the bottom of Church Row, Parminder Jawanda slipped a coat on over her nightdress and took her coffee into the back garden. Sitting in the chilly sunlight on a wooden bench, she saw that it was promising to be a beautiful day, but there seemed to be a blockage between her eyes and her heart. The heavy weight on her chest deadened everything. The news that Miles Mollison had won Barry's seat on the Parish Council had not been a surprise, but on seeing Shirley's neat little announcement on the website, she had known another flicker of that madness that had overtaken her at the last meeting: a desire to attack, superseded almost at once by stifling hopelessness. ‘I'm going to resign from the council,' she told Vikram. ‘What's the point?' ‘But you like it,' he had said. She had liked it when Barry had been there too. It was easy to conjure him up this morning, when everything was quiet and still. A little, ginger-bearded man; she had been taller than him by half a head. She had never felt the slightest physical attraction towards him. What was love, after all? thought Parminder, as a gentle breeze ruffled the tall hedge of leyland cypresses that enclosed the Jawandas' big back lawn. Was it love when somebody filled a space in your life that yawned inside you, once they had gone? I did love laughing, thought Parminder. I really miss laughing. And it was the memory of laughter that, at last, made the tears flow from her eyes. They trickled down her nose and into her coffee, where they made little bullet holes, swiftly erased. She was crying because she never seemed to laugh any more, and also because the previous evening, while they had been listening to the jubilant distant thump of the disco in the church hall, Vikram had said, ‘Why don't we visit Amritsar this summer?' The Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the religion to which he was indifferent. She had known at once what Vikram was doing. Time lay slack and empty on her hands as never before in her life. Neither of them knew what the GMC would decide to do with her, once it had considered her ethical breach towards Howard Mollison. ‘Mandeep says it's a big tourist trap,' she had replied, dismissing Amritsar at a stroke. Sukhvinder had crossed the lawn without Parminder noticing. She was dressed in jeans and a baggy sweatshirt. Parminder hastily wiped her face and squinted at Sukhvinder, who had her back to the sun. ‘I don't want to go to work today.' Parminder responded at once, in the same spirit of automatic contradiction that had made her turn down Amritsar. ‘You've made a commitment, Sukhvinder.' ‘I don't feel well.' ‘You mean you're tired. You're the one who wanted this job. Now you fulfil your obligations.' ‘But – ‘ ‘You're going to work,' snapped Parminder, and she might have been pronouncing sentence. ‘You're not giving the Mollisons another reason to complain.' After Sukhvinder walked back to the house Parminder felt guilty. She almost called her daughter back, but instead she made a mental note that she must try and find time to sit down with her and talk to her without arguing.