Bella had been biding her time to ask about the giving tree, nervous that people would accuse her of sticking her nose in, or thinking it was too much for her after her ‘terrible weekend’. Every member of staff this morning had commented on Evan’s leaving and how cowardly it was of him trying to do it while she was at work. She was beginning to wonder if it wouldn’t have been easier if he had. Their horrified expressions at the mention of the note had made her feel a little more vindicated in her heartache, but their comments on how broken she must be, however well intentioned, were less helpful in the trying not to cry stakes. Bella had forced a smile and sniffed back the tears saying she was fine, even though she clearly wasn’t.

It was already eight o’clock and they’d be due on the playground soon. From the staffroom she could see some of the children arriving for Good Morning Club and being shepherded into the school hall by the receptionist for their breakfast.

‘Right, that’s everything I have on my list,’ Mrs White said, wrapping up the meeting. ‘Any other business?’

Bella sat up a little straighter. ‘Actually, I have something I wanted to ask you all. I’m planning on starting a giving tree at Bluebell Park and I wanted your approval, Mrs White, as it would affect the school, and to hopefully get everyone’s support.’

‘A what tree?’ asked Mr Osbourne. Although he was only his fifties, he was rather old-fashioned, and Bella knew he’d put up the most resistance. ‘What’s that when it’s at home?’

‘It’s an American idea, I think.’ He scoffed but Bella ignored him and carried on. ‘It’s basically a Christmas tree where we hang tags saying what people need for Christmas – anonymously of course – and then people take the tags, buy the gift and leave it under the tree. It’s a wonderful way to help our neighbours and show a bit of goodwill at this time of year. It’s just a little different to donating money to a charity.’

‘Won’t the presents get wet?’ asked Mrs Brody.