‘They’re beautiful.’ The flowers are fresh shades of lemon, white, pale blue and pink, and I recognise the scent of narcissi and hyacinths. But at the mention of a funeral, shock hits me. After Hollie’s disappearance, the discovery of her body, then the police involvement, and now her funeral, everything’s moving so fast. ‘Have you set a date?’

‘Next Thursday. It’s early to get the flowers in, but the florist said it would take a few days for them to open …’ Her voice wavers. ‘She’s going to help me take them to the church. Oh God … Hollie’s dead and I’m talking about flowers.’ As she looks at me, her face is etched with grief.

Going over to the worktop, I finish making the tea. ‘Why don’t you sit down? I can do this.’ Wiping away her tears, she doesn’t argue as she goes and perches on one of the chairs. A minute later, I hand her one of her mugs.

‘Thank you.’ She takes a sip of tea. ‘The day after her body was found, I had to come in early to do a bride’s hair – and her bridesmaids’. She was having the kind of fairy-tale wedding that every girl dreams of. All I could think was, Hollie will never get married, never have children …’ Her voice breaks as more tears stream down her cheeks.

Hollie may not have been her daughter by blood, but Stephanie’s clearly heartbroken. A feeling of powerlessness overwhelms me that I have no words of comfort to offer, but at times like this, there is nothing to say, nor is there anything I or anyone else can do to help her. I gently touch her arm. ‘I’m so sorry.’ I’m silent as she drinks her tea, then quietly ask, ‘How is James bearing up?’

‘Honestly?’ She raises her tear-stained face to look at me. ‘He’s a mess. I’m trying to be there for him, but he’s all over the place. Losing his first wife when she was so young, now Hollie … it’s too much for anyone.’

‘He has you,’ I say gently. But she’s right. Hollie’s death is too much; the worst, most unnatural kind of loss.

‘I don’t know how he’ll get over this.’ More tears roll down her face.

I don’t say anything, because I don’t believe people do get over a loss like this. What happens is that you get used to living with the grief as time passes, somehow assimilating it into your life, as it changes the way you see everything.