‘Of course.’ Her brows pinched together as he outlined his concerns. ‘Right, I see.’ He could see from her eyes she was digesting the information and making sense of it. ‘Amias maintains that these things are accidents, but I still talked to his parents Friday night. I’ve made it clear that we won’t allow behaviour like this. I’ll keep an eye on Amias and ask Miss Radcliffe to do the same with Freddie. I mean, I’m sure she’s already keeping an eye on things, but if it’s okay, I’ll mention what you’ve told me today. I hope that reassures you.’ At this last remark she laughed. ‘Sorry, that sounded so formal, didn’t it? But I promise we’re all against teasing and bullying at Meadowbank Primary.’

Nick smiled and the lines on his forehead softened. ‘Thank you, Bella. I appreciate it.’

‘The other child has been a bit more boisterous recently, which is not an excuse, but—’

‘You don’t think he’s picking on Freddie?’ Nick finished.

‘I don’t. There have been other children, and unfortunately, these things happen sometimes. Part of teaching is helping kids to learn how to behave socially as well as how to add and subtract. Some kids take a bit more time to learn it than others or they forget and push the boundaries.’

‘Thank you. That makes me feel a lot better.’ Nick went to walk away and took a step back towards her. He shuffled about on the spot, searching for the words. ‘And are you still doing okay? I mean about Evan? You don’t need anything …’ His sentence trailed away into silence.

‘Oh, umm, yeah, I’m fine. Doing okay. Thanks for asking.’ She looked like she was about to say more, but nothing came.

‘The grotto looks great.’

‘Doesn’t it? I’m so happy with it. I think it looks really magical. I hope the kids like it.’ Her face was full of life again. She’d worked hard for the big grotto opening and with everything she’d been through, she deserved to enjoy it.

‘I’m sure they will. It’s even making me feel Christmassy. Is old Mr Tomlin Santa again?’

‘Of course. Could there be another? He has such a gift with the kids. And as he does Breakfast with Santa at the school too, I honestly think they’re convinced he’s the real deal. He certainly looks it.’

Nick watched the joy radiate from Bella’s face as she talked. ‘Your family have always loved Christmas, haven’t they?’

‘Probably a little too much. Mum and Dad are getting started already, in fact, I think Mum started getting ready in October.’