When I climb back into the car, careful to wipe the maggots off my boots first, Re-calculate Kate remains stubbornly mute. I can’t say I’m sorry. The route has been straight and there’s not been much for her to contribute in the way of directions, but, instead of rising to the occasion and making small talk like any other well-brought up person, she’s taken to sulking, every so often repeating the command to continue for another 40 miles but in a petulant voice that implies I have deliberately chose an uncomplicated journey for the express purpose of undermining her self-worth. Road trips eh?