‘Oh Edie,’ says Claudia, climbing into the driver’s seat. ‘Are you OK? Do you need a hug?’

‘I think if you gave me one it might open the floodgates of tears. I honestly meant it, it’s the best present I’ve ever received.’

‘I know. I get some nice presents at the end of term, but that … What a sweetie.’

Claudia squeezes my arm and then starts the engine and pulls away.

We drive back to the library in silence. My mind is racing with all the memories I have of my mum from my childhood. When we pull up at the library car park we unload the boxes of books back inside and then I head back to Claudia’s car to collect the jar.

‘Don’t forget this.’ She reaches over to the printout about the career day.

‘Thank you.’ I take it and slip it into my handbag. It must have fallen onto the floor as I grabbed my bag from the car.

‘Edie, I’m sorry for being so pushy. Robin’s always telling me that I get too invested in other people’s lives, which is a nice way of him saying that I meddle too much.’

‘You don’t at all. I will look into it.’

‘I hope you do. I mean, watching you today and seeing what an impression you’ve made on Lola, it only confirmed what I know. That you’d make a brilliant teacher. She’s one girl you’ve been able to help but imagine if you had a class of thirty-five every year.’

‘I could make a difference.’ My voice is small as the magnitude of possibility sinks in.

‘You certainly could. But even if you decide to stay where you are, I hope that you keep volunteering with us, because you’re really good at it.’

‘Oh, I will.’ I slip my bag over my shoulder. ‘Right, I’m going to go before I start to cry and I’ve done far too much of that lately.’

‘OK. Hopefully I’ll see you again soon. Maybe we could meet for coffee one weekend.’

‘Yes, definitely. Or perhaps you can come along with Layla to see the improv competition I’ve been roped into taking part in?’

‘I’d love to. Aaron mentioned it at your gathering. Did you make the final?’

‘We did, no thanks to me. But Layla and I will be going for a drink before the show, so you’re welcome to join us and we can head over together.’

Claudia’s smile is wide and she’s nodding along.

‘Text me the details, I’m there.’

She leans over and gives me a hug goodbye and I feel like we’ve really started to form a friendship.