The next day was Saturday and Mum dropped me at school early so that I could help set up our stall for the summer fete.

Nia was already on the school field dressed in denim shorts and a T-shirt. For our stall we had a table and two chairs, and a deflated yellow paddling pool on the grass. There was also a foot pump, a clear plastic bag full of bright orange ducks and two sticks with golden hooks.

“Hi, Anna,” said Nia.

“Hi,” I said. “Shall I pump up the paddling pool?”

Nia flopped onto one of the chairs.

“Oh, yes, that would be brilliant,” she said.

I fixed the end of the tube into the small valve on the pool and began to press my foot up and down on the pump. I looked at Nia as she sorted through a tub of sweets. She looked exhausted and she had dark rings under her eyes.

“Are you feeling OK, Nia?” I said.

She nodded.

“Yes. I’m just really tired,” she said. “I got back late from ballet last night and was up early to come here. I’m off to the stables after this.”

I watched Nia as the paddling pool slowly inflated. She really didn’t look happy at all. Maybe being so active wasn’t always such a good thing? When I thought about it, I wondered if she ever had any down time.

Miss Burnell came over carrying Ellie-bot in one arm and a bucket in the other. The robot was glowing blue and she placed it on the table.

“Hi, Anna! Hi, Nia!” called Ellie. I was pleased to hear her sound much brighter today.

“Hi!” Nia and I said back. I pulled the pump tube out of the pool and pushed the stopper in.

“Right, it’s ready for the water now, Miss,” I said.

“Great!” said Miss Burnell. “Just fill it up with the bucket using the tap in the staff toilet. Have you got everything else that you need?”

“Yep, we’re all sorted,” said Nia, perking up.

“Wonderful. I’ll catch up with you three later,” Miss Burnell said, and headed off to help Seb and Anthony with the tombola.

“We can take it in turns getting the water if you like?” said Nia.

“It’s OK,” I said. “You’re tired. I can do it.”

Nia smiled at me and I headed off with the bucket.

It only took seven buckets to fill the small pool. We dropped the bag of ducks into the water and watched as they bobbed around.

“I know! I can be in charge of finding customers!” said Ellie. “How about this? Roll-up! Roll-up! Come and hook a duck and win some fabulous prizes!” Her voice boomed out of the robot.

Nia and I laughed. Ellie was so nice. I wished she could be here with us, but having Ellie-bot was the next best thing.

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