When old Mrs Piggot notices a persistent wisp of smoke coming from the hearth, she rings the fire brigade. Although the firemen can see the smoke, they have trouble locating it. They stay to make sure the house is safe and help her with several household repairs that she's needed doing since Mr Piggot died. This beautifully-written story with its realistic characters and a convincing plot treats the issue of loneliness and old age with sensitivity and humour.