"You can have your pear drops back,” the girl said. He stopped and turned round, smiling. “Thanks,” the girl continued, “my mum likes these. Thanks for chasing those kids away too. I hate them!” Her eyes blazed. “They keep teasing me because I’ve got long hair. They all think it’s funny to call me Barbie.” Her eyes softened and she smiled at him. “I think I can trust you. You can walk me home if you like. My name is Melissa.”

“You can call me John.” The man looked at her carefully. Long blonde hair, high forehead, sweet smile. Surely a coincidence? Is this why today felt like it was going to be special, he thought. “Have you always lived here?” he asked, hoping for some further clues.

“Yes, but mum used to live in Norbury.” Of course. So did she, once. He felt his heart beat a little faster and the sweat begin to bead on his face, not just because it was getting warmer and the sun was now well into its stride. Sure enough, the butterflies soon started collecting in his stomach. She had always done this to him, even after they split up, whenever he saw her, for years after. And he meant years. He was surprised that she still had that power over him, but he shrugged to himself and guessed that maybe she always would. The girl began walking. “This way,” she said, “I’m sure mum will want to thank you. You might even get a cup of coffee.” She smiled, he smiled back, they walked towards the steps.

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