“Is that the weirdo you were talking about?”

“Yep, frigid bitch. Come on and show us your tits!” one said.

“Sit on my knee, hen, I’ve got something big for you.”

Flora’s heart was hammering and her hand shaking as she lifted her keys to unlock the door. She got through the door and locked it, put on the chain, and rushed into the hall.

“I can’t keep going on like this.”

Maybe she had to move. Those boys were just going to get worse. But the thought of going through the selling and buying process was frightening. Could she do it on her own?

Flora put her keys down on the hall table and began to take off her coat. She jumped when her phone rang. Flora searched quickly through her handbag and finally found her phone. She was surprised to see Mack’s name displayed on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Mack. I hope you don’t mind me phoning. I just wanted to know if you got home safely.”

Flora was still shaky but felt safer now that Mack was on the phone. “I’m okay, yes.”

“Your voice sounds a bit shaky. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“It’s nothing. Just those university guys that live upstairs saying some things as I came in from the car.”

“Do you want me to come over? I can be there quickly and have a word with those dicks,” Mack said.

Flora was starting to panic again. “No, no, please don’t—it’ll make things worse.”

Mack sighed. “I’m not happy about it. I hate bullies, but if that’s what you want. Keep your doors locked and windows shut. I’m always at the end of the phone, so call me any time.”

“Thanks Mack. I really appreciate that.”

“Okay, well, stay safe then, little mouse.”

Flora laughed when she had been terrified minutes ago. Life was feeling safer, and she was more connected to the world with Mack’s friendship. At work Mack’s bubble of safety was extended into her shop, and now it was beginning to make her feel less alone at home.

* * *

“This is amazing. Thanks, Mum and Auntie Chrissy,” Mack said.

Sunday lunch was sacrosanct in the Sharkey family. Nikki, Isla, herself, and her mum all attended her aunt and uncle’s house every Sunday lunchtime. After a busy week it was a chance for them to reconnect and talk about family and business and bond over roast beef. Her mum and her aunt cooked the whole meal together from scratch.

Although her mum was Uncle Thomas’s sister, she and Chrissy were more like sisters than sisters-in-law. It had been like that since they’d first met, and the bond had only grown stronger over the years. Uncle Thomas loved it. When he was dealing with the business, he felt happier knowing his wife and his sister had each other.