‘I don’t think that’s stupid at all!’ I say passionately. ‘Can I see them?’ But Izzy doesn’t respond, and I worry I’ve put her on the spot. So, I try a different question. ‘Have you ever watched any of the Studio Ghibli films? The animation is made up of these amazing illustrations. If you like drawing, you’ll love the films.’

Izzy shakes her head, but she seems interested.

My eyes widen. ‘You have to!’ I go on for a while about all my favourites. Izzy picks the one she thinks sounds best, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and promises to watch it over half term.

‘Anyway,’ Izzy says, spurred on by our chat, ‘I’m not sure if I want to draw or be a vet.’

‘That’s cool too,’ I say. ‘I love animals, but I can’t ever imagine doing operations on them or anything like that.’

Izzy nods sagely. ‘It would be hard, but I’m not very squeamish. You can’t be when you have two younger sisters.’

I nod, wondering what it would be like to have sisters or brothers. I can’t help but think of Aunt Zaina, who lives in Kuwait. Dad rang her the other day to tell her about Mum. I wasn’t there, but apparently she was quite upset. Dad said I can chat to her when he rings to update her next week. I’ll probably chicken out, though. I’m not very good at speaking on the phone.

‘I don’t have any siblings,’ I say. ‘But I do have a dog!’ Izzy’s face lights up like a starry night. ‘I can’t believe I didn’t know that! What’s its name?’

‘Lady!’ I say, and then I talk about her for ages. I tell Izzy about the way she follows me around the house, how she always knows the best way to cheer me up. I tell her how moody she can be, but how that makes me love her even more.

As I talk I feel a warmth spread through my body.

Maybe I don’t have to have just one friend. Maybe there’s room for someone else after all.

‘Done!’ Izzy declares eventually, handing me a compact mirror.

I look at myself and almost gasp. I love it. The purple makes my brown eyes sparkle, especially with the mascara Izzy added. I’ve never tried it before but my eyelashes are like giant spider legs. In a good way.

I frown.

‘What’s wrong?’ Izzy looks worried.

I pout. ‘I don’t want to take it off for lessons.’

Izzy’s face relaxes.

‘You’re really good,’ I add. ‘Have you thought of going into animal grooming? Bit of lipstick for the poodle, some eyelashes for the daschund?’

Izzy laughs so loudly she snorts. ‘Would you like your eyeliner in a cat-flick style, Ms Collie?’ she says in an overly posh voice.