‘We’ve used one too,’ she smiled. ‘Brilliant, aren’t they?’

We chatted some more and then Rose said she had better catch up with her other half.

‘Before you head off,’ I said, catching her arm. ‘I just want to say thank you, to both of you actually,’ I added, looking at Dolly.

‘Whatever for?’ Rose asked.

‘For press-ganging me into volunteering at the school of course. I know I was only helping for a short time.’

‘But it’s changed your mind about Christmas, hasn’t it?’ Rose interrupted.

‘Oh yes,’ I laughed, ‘very definitely. You were right about the children’s enthusiasm being infectious. I think I’ve caught a healthy enough dose of festive feeling to see me through and way beyond the season now.’ Rose punched the air. ‘But it’s more than that,’ I swallowed. ‘It’s made me think about my future too. Dolly, you know that in the past I had considered a career in education.’

‘Yes,’ she said, ‘I did know that.’

‘Well,’ I said, ‘my time at school has made me have a bit of a rethink about looking for another position in a hotel.’ The idea had been a bit of a slow burner, but once I had blurted it out to Jonathan, it had taken hold and started to grow, in spite of his mean words. ‘I’m not sure I want to teach, but I’m definitely going to think about a teaching assistant position.’

‘That’s wonderful news,’ said Rose, clapping her hands. ‘We’ve all said that you’re a natural with the kids and I’m sure you won’t have any problem finding work when you move. There must be plenty of schools in the UAE looking for English staff. But it’s a shame though,’ she added, sounding suddenly less excited.

‘What is?’ Dolly asked.

‘That Hattie’s moving,’ she carried on. ‘I’ve been in school today, all the teaching staff have, looking at budgets and things and Mr Matthews thinks he’s found funding for a few hours. It’s by no means going to be a full-time post, but it would have been ideal for you, Hattie. Are you sure you have to go? Have you really got your heart set on it?’

‘Look,’ said Dolly, waving madly and saving me from having to answer, ‘there’s Beamish.’

He caught sight of Dolly’s windmill arms and wandered over just as Rose’s family called her back to the queue for Santa.

‘I better go,’ she said, pulling me into a hug and kissing my cheek, ‘you take care, OK?’

‘I will,’ I said, squeezing her back. ‘I promise.’