Mack ruffled the hair product through Isla’s newly shorn locks. The hair had gone from the middle of her back to, now, collar length.

“It’s really nice, Mack. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, wee barra.”

Liam came over with the brush to clear up the hair. “Looking good, wee yin.”

Isla gave him a shy smile. She’d spent the afternoon at the shop, since it was a school holiday, helping out with sweeping and tidying.

Not that she went to school regularly. She fought her mum and grandma about it every day, which was a source of worry for them all. But today there was no fighting as she was off school legitimately, and Mack loved spending time with Isla.

“Do you want to go and see the sweet shop now?”

“Yes, I can’t wait. Grandma says it’s a lovely shop,” Isla said.

“Grab your coat. It’s cold outside.” Mack then turned to Liam and said, “We’re headed next door, mate.”

“No bother.”

“Go and get Dex,” Mack said.

Isla came back with Dexter in her arms. He was wearing his spotty jumper today because Mack knew that was Flora’s favourite.

Mack was actually a bit nervous. She wanted Flora and Isla to get on, but she was bringing two people with extreme social anxiety together, which was tricky. But she had a plan.

“Okay, let’s go.”

Mack led them out of the shop to next door. She opened the door of Sweet Surprise and encouraged Isla to walk through with Dexter. There were no customers in the shop—Sandra was out front, tidying up for the day. The shop would closing soon, so Flora would have more time for them.

Sandra looked up and smiled. “Hello, Mack. Is this Isla?”

Mack hadn’t noticed that Isla had moved virtually behind her back. She put her arm around Isla’s shoulder and encouraged her to move forward and pulled her close.

“Aye this is ma wee barra, Isla. This is Sandra, Isla.”

“Hi,” Isla said in the softest of voices.

Mack bent down and unclipped Dexter’s lead. “Go find Flo, Dex.”

Dexter sped off into the back of the shop, and Mack heard giggles. That made Mack smile. Flora was the most relaxed when Dexter was around. In a few seconds Flora came out from the back with Dexter in her arms.

“He found me,” Flora said.

“He always does,” Mack said. “This is Isla. Isla, this is Flora.”

“Hi, Isla. Mack’s told me so much about you.”

It worked, Mack thought. Flora was holding on to Dexter and stroking him, making her feel more relaxed, almost like a therapy dog. Mack had hoped this was the best way to make her feel relaxed.

“Hi, Flora.” Isla gripped Mack’s arm.

“You call me Flo. Dexter told me that you’re his best friend.”