Stuck in the Middle with Sue

On a February afternoon, middle-aged married couple Trevor and Sue are travelling by car to visit their friends but get stuck in a terrible traffic jam en route. Trevor is annoyed at Sue because she suggested taking the seemingly quicker motorway where they now find themselves. He lambasts her for her poor decision. They begin quarrelling over her suggestion, which soon escalates. The traffic remains static, and Sue suggests calling their hosts (Phil and Theresa) to explain their dilemma. Trevor shouts her down, explaining that they have already cancelled four previous arrangements and there would be no way they would be believed. An agitated Trevor suggests that Sue should take note of his superior organisation skills, awareness, and good time-keeping. Time is advancing, but the traffic isn’t, and after another request, Sue finally convinces Trevor to make the call – and he finally relents. He speaks to Phil, who sounds like he’s in the middle of a party. He is. According to Trevor, he and Theresa are in Brazil for the Rio Carnival. Phil tells Trevor that he is looking forward to seeing him and Sue next month, which is music to Sue’s ears. She does her best not to pounce on her husband’s bad organisation, unawareness, and poor time-keeping. Trevor ends the call and says nothing further to Sue, apart from advising her to do the same. It begins raining incessantly, compounding their misery. There remains no immediate hope of the traffic moving.