‘That’s right. There aren’t any names on them, only a specific or suggested present. I got the idea after I went to London. I think sometimes we’re blind to other people’s suffering and we don’t always realise what’s happening with our friends and neighbours because we’re so wrapped up in our own lives. If we can help someone out, why wouldn’t we?’

Why wouldn’t we indeed? ‘What sort of things are people asking for?’

Bella outlined some of the requests and Nick’s conscience pricked. These weren’t the types of things he’d expected. Asking for clothes for children, or even food hit him like an icy blast of wind. They were basic things everyone deserved. Maybe Bella was right and he, like so many people, had become too wrapped up in their own lives to notice and help others.

After everything had turned upside down and he’d needed help, he was in no position to judge anyone else. He wanted Freddie to know there was nothing wrong in asking for assistance if you needed it and that helping others was a good thing to do.

Bella said a quick goodbye and went back to hanging the last few tags on the tree as Len and Trish joined him.

‘Oy, oy. Getting very chatty there, fella.’

‘Give over, Len,’ Trish said. ‘She’s our neighbour, of course he’s going to talk to her. Has there been anything more with Amias?’

‘Freddie told me today about another incident yesterday, so I wanted to ask Miss Moore’s advice.’ Nick outlined what had happened and why Freddie hadn’t mentioned it.

‘Do you know,’ said Len, ‘I’m starting to think he should punch him back. Sometimes that’s the only thing that sorts these bullies out.’

‘I know what you mean,’ said Trish. ‘But I’m not sure in primary school that’s a good idea. We don’t want Freddie getting into trouble.’

Nick nodded his agreement. ‘I know this other boy’s been out of line and believe me it hurts me as much as it does Freddie, but I can’t condone him punching another child.’

‘Punch who?’ asked Freddie and Nick jumped.

‘When did you get here?’

‘Just now.’

‘You can’t have,’ Nick replied. ‘You were like a ninja! You never move like a ninja. It’s normally like a herd of elephants in giant boots stomping around.’

Freddie laughed as Bella’s voice boomed through the loudspeaker. Mr Tomlin, dressed as Santa and with a portly, round tummy to match, marched out behind her as Freddie stood close to his dad. It was time to officially unveil Santa’s new grotto.

Chapter 12