Alice smiles, and places the piece on the shelf above the counter. ‘It’s called Zombie.’

‘Really? Why?’ Faith laughs at her own attempt at humour, but continues to stare up at it, as though mesmerised. ‘Someone will bite your hand off for it, Alice – it’s truly amazing.’

It is one of the busiest times in Whitby, with Halloween approaching and the Bram Stoker’s Dracula connection. Alice knows it’s a good time for sales.

‘We’ve been really busy over the last few days.’ Faith’s lips curl into a smile.

‘That’s great.’ Alice tries for upbeat as she shuffles out of her coat and hangs it on one of the hooks by the back door, wishing she could shake the memories of the police coming through the door in January, telling her the awful news about her father.

Faith touches her arm, and Alice startles, realising she’s floated away into her own thoughts. ‘It’s so good to see you here,’ Faith says. ‘And, just to say again, I can be out of here, as soon as you’re ready to return. Just tell me to sling my hook as soon as you are ready to come back full-time. It will make my day to see you back where you belong.’

Alice shakes her head. ‘I’m not quite ready to go full-time yet. I’ll take it slow. As I said before, part-time will suit me to start with. It will give me more time on my artwork.’

‘Well, whatever is best for you …’ Faith smiles. Tilts her head. ‘Coffee?’

‘Love one.’

Faith rises, goes to head away. ‘Mitch would like to meet you, if you’re up for it.’

‘What? Why?’

‘Because you’re my friend, and he’s my … It’s fine if you don’t feel ready. I’ll completely understand.’

Panic rises inside Alice. Is she ready to start socialising again? She knows she’s got to start somewhere, but she’s not sure she wants to begin with a complete stranger.

‘I’ve told him so much about you.’ Faith heads through the door into the tiny kitchen area, and Alice is relieved she doesn’t have to make a decision right now.

Five minutes later, Faith is back, putting steaming mugs onto the counter. ‘Ooh, I meant to say, I sold Gothic House this morning.’ Her face lights up with pride, as she peers at Alice from under her fringe and blows on her coffee.

‘Wow! That’s fantastic. I wondered where it was.’

‘Some bloke was waiting for me to open up this morning.’ She sits down. ‘Said he’d seen a picture of it on Instagram. Cameron something-or-other. Loves your work. Didn’t even flinch at the price tag.’

What was the price tag? Alice’s gaze drifts to the half-empty shelves. She needs to do more work, and a bubble of motivation rises inside her.