There were so many other parents throughout the school who for one reason or another were dreading Christmas, and even some children too. In Bella’s own class, she couldn’t pretend that last term, Sinead’s single mum had pulled her out of a school trip to the local castle because she couldn’t afford it. What would she be doing for Christmas this year if she couldn’t afford a moderately priced educational visit? She must be dreading Christmas too. Oliver’s mum and dad had three other children in school all needing costumes. Would they be worried too?

Every teacher at Meadowbank Primary was aware of the food bank vouchers being given out in confidence. The recent harvest festival donations had gone as quickly as they’d come in. Though neighbours helped neighbours in Meadowbank, some people didn’t feel they could ask for help and only spoke to the school begrudgingly. Bella firmly believed that if the village knew more of their neighbours’ suffering, they’d want to offer some assistance.

For the first time since discovering Evan’s note, she felt something other than pain. That familiar drive that forced its way into her brain, egging her on when she had the bit between her teeth, took hold, forcing back the tears that were constantly bubbling just below the surface.

‘You two, listen, I’ve got an idea.’

Caro stopped leaning against the window and sat upright, her eyes sleepy.

‘What do you think of me starting a giving tree?’ Both looked blank. ‘A giving tree. For the village. I fill out a tag for people who need help and someone else takes it and buys the gift. It’s like giving to charity only you buy a present instead of donating money.’

If they did something like this in Meadowbank, all those families who were struggling could be helped.

‘Oh, darling, what a lovely idea. What made you think of that?’

‘Just seeing the situation here and knowing how hard some people are finding things at home.’ She didn’t mention the slightly selfish reason of wanting to fill her brain with things other than Evan.

‘You’ll have to be a bit careful,’ Caro added, waking up a little. ‘Make sure you tread carefully. You can’t go around forcing charity onto people who don’t want it. There are a few people in the village who won’t like it. Seymour Cole for one.’

It was true that Amias’s father had some very conservative attitudes, but she was sure the majority of the village would be in favour of the idea.

‘I know,’ Bella replied. ‘And I don’t want to insult anyone either. I just think that everyone goes through hard times and there are so many people in the village who’ll be happy to help a friend or neighbour. I mean there’s Elsie at the library – she’ll be more than happy to help. The guys at Bluebell Park, Nina and Johnny and school.’

Cynthia nodded agreement. ‘So how will it work?’