Pasi was driving to the airport on the first leg of his journey to Canada to compete in the Cross-country Skiing Championships. A free flight and entry fee arranged as a birthday present by his wife, no less. As usual, he was cutting it fine. The roads were icy and treacherous. As he drove at speed, he was typing a text message on his mobile phone.
At home, Anna was looking forward to the prize she was sure was "in the bag" a £1000 diamond.
Her phone rang.
"Pasi here. I'm sorry. I have had a bad accident. The van skidded and did a double somersault. I'm waiting for the emergency rescue services."
Two hours later a second call came, this time from the hospital.
"I have missed the flight I am afraid. I might have been able to do it but I have broken my left arm.
All Anna could blurt out in frustration was, "What rotten luck! I did my part of the work towards the diamond. All you had to do was get there and effectively pick it up!"