‘Mmm,’ I mutter, catching my reflection in the dull glass of what looks like an electrics store. ‘Quite a transformation.’ She’s done a great job with my impromptu makeover, but I don’t want her thinking she’s changed my life or anything. I’ve had many different looks. I’ve been fatter than this, I’ve been much slimmer. I’ve had black hair and piercings and leather-look leggings. I’ve had summer dresses and lightly curled blonde locks – with extensions, of course – there’s no need to waste time growing your hair these days. But I feel like I am showing Carrie my vulnerable side by letting her take control of how I look, so I will give her the praise she craves. ‘I don’t know how to thank you,’ I say. I stop walking, and lay a hand on her arm, exerting just the right amount of pressure so that she stops too.

She looks surprised, and then her face breaks into a huge grin. ‘You’re so welcome, love. Now, let’s get ourselves into this shop … see what magical wares are on display.’ She nudges me and I link arms with her. The building looms in front of us, and I’m glad to be going inside, away from the small army of feral children who have taken to following us along the streets. No doubt Carrie will want to buy things for them in the department store, but I’m sure that they’re part of one of those begging gangs, and I’d rather not have any contact with them at all.

Inside, the shop is a little disappointing. I’d hoped that the harsh stone shell was protecting a precious gem, but actually it’s all very functional, and is filled with the hollow echoes of an indoor market. I can’t read the signs on the boards, but there are helpful graphics depicting food, women’s clothes, men’s clothes, shoes, and something a bit confusing that turns out to be local crafts.

‘Right. We need some supplies,’ Carrie says. ‘I’ll go and get snacks and drinks, and you can do a recce on the rest of the place – what do you think?’

I’m a bit confused as to why we need snacks and drinks when we’re meant to be going out for dinner. ‘Sure … although I’m not really hungry…’

‘Not for now, daftie.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘For the room. Here…’ She rummages in her small bag and pulls out a roll of notes. ‘Take some cash. Buy us a surprise.’ She holds the money out towards me. The notes are unfamiliar, and I have no idea how much they’re worth – she could be giving me fifty pence and waiting for me to make a fool of myself at the counter when I try to buy something for a fiver. You never know what these currencies are like.