I nodded, opening my mouth to say something, but not trusting the quivering in my lips.

Norma’s face flooded with understanding. She hugged me. ‘I’m so glad. And I’m so glad you brought him today. There’s a stall further up with organic doggie treats. Waffles will love it.’

I took a deep breath. ‘Thank you …’

‘You are very welcome.’ Norma patted me on the arm. ‘Be sure to stay around for the Great Scone Competition. We might need you if things turn nasty.’

I laughed for the first time in days.

‘It’s coming up soon,’ said Norma, pointing to the rotunda that had been decorated with a colourful banner declaring: WORLD’S BEST SCONE.

As Norma moved back behind the table of baked goods, I saw Crystal at the next stall admiring a huge display of handmade earrings. Next to her was a tall woman. When Crystal finished looking and turned around, I saw that the woman beside her was Carmel Millard. Crystal saw me and Waffles and ran over to us. Carmel followed, beaming fondly at the girl.

‘Hey Antigone! Look, I got a nana!’

‘You sure did,’ I said smiling at Carmel. ‘And your nana got you.’

The two moved on, wandering over towards the next stall.

Suddenly there was a gaggle of unruly children running screaming towards me. They were followed by Wozza, embracing the first signs of spring after its unseasonally chilly beginning, dressed in shorts and a faded T-shirt with a fluorescent unicorn on it saying I love my family. I guessed the kids had bought it for him. He weaved a bit like a herding dog, keeping them moving in the same general direction. Once they spotted Waffles, his job was made easier. The children all made a beeline for him. Waffles wagged his tail in delight.

‘Watch his neck,’ I said, cringing as the children swarmed around.

To my relief, chubby little hands patted him everywhere but his neck.

‘Did he go to hopsidle?’ said Wozza’s youngest, Gertie, a cute child of four.

I nodded. ‘But he’s nearly better now.’

Wozza finally caught up and apologised in the same moment. ‘Waffles doesn’t eat fairy floss,’ he said automatically to Lily, the middle daughter, who was holding a ball of pale pink fluff bigger than her own head.

‘He probably would if I let him,’ I said, smiling.

The kids were distracted by the arrival of the CFA fire engine, decorated with streamers, siren wailing in short bursts. They ran to take their turn to climb on board.

‘How’s things?’ said Wozza, once we were alone.

I looked down at my precious dog and didn’t answer. Wozza got it.

A burst of applause sounded from the rotunda.

‘Scone judging,’ I said, and we both drifted towards the gathering crowd.