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‘Probably not. But it’s more fun! Come on, Mimi. It’ll be cool… and the food’s improved a lot since we studied here. It’s lasagne today. And the salad bar’s really good.’

‘What, no square pizzas?’

‘Oh, we still have that. And I think it’s chocolate concrete day.’

‘Jackpot! But there’d better be pink custard. Without that, it’s no deal.’

‘You’re staying?’

‘Absolutely! Square pizza, pink custard and a trip down memory lane sounds perfect.’

After nearly an hour of giggling, and being shushed twice by the librarian before she realised who was making all the noise, Katie checked her watch. ‘Well, I can’t say it was very nutritious, but it was good!’

‘Nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia.’ Mia ran her finger around her bowl, sweeping up the last of the lurid pink, fruity-sweet pseudo-custard, and licked it off. ‘I can’t remember the last time I had either. And I’m still convinced pizza tastes better when it’s square.’

‘Me too.’ Katie laughed. ‘But I should be getting back, before the marauding hordes take over.’

‘I don’t believe that for a moment.’ Mia laughed. ‘They were all so sweet and well-behaved this morning.’

‘That’s the problem. They’ve probably worn out their good behaviour and patience this morning for “Nurse Mia”. And they’re always more energetic after lunch.’

‘Good luck then.’ Mia laughed again. ‘I’d best get going too. I’ve got to pick some bits up before my next appointment.’

‘Get off with you then. I’ll get the trays back to the canteen.’

‘Thanks Kitikat.’

‘Laters, Mimi.’

It was cold, so Mia’s walk through town was brisk, but she hesitated at the fountain. Not knowing why today felt different to any other, she dug a coin out and flipped it into the water. It splashed back, tickling gently against her cheek. She smiled to herself – maybe a lucky kiss?

A few minutes later Ophelia’s chimes tinkled in welcome. ‘Hello?’ She was surprised to see Aiden balanced on the top of a ladder, half in the window.

‘Hi. Perfect timing. Would you mind handing me that?’ He pointed to a golden fairy upside down in the window display, her legs sticking out of a pot of daffodils. Mia pulled her out, straightened her wings, and handed her back up.

‘Thanks. These little imps have been living up to their name.’

‘What?’

‘They don’t want to stay put and keep dive-bombing the rest of the display. And customers.’

‘I don’t know, I think she looks pretty innocent.’

‘Don’t you believe it. I had to untangle one from Mrs Smith’s hair this morning! Doesn’t matter how many times I put them up, or how much string, Blu-tack and tape I use – they keep escaping. I’m starting to think they have minds of their own – and are intent on mischief! And to make it worse, Mist has taken a liking to them.’

‘So, you have a mischievous moggy teaming up with spiteful sprites?’

Aiden burst out laughing and had to grab the ladder to keep his balance. ‘For a healthcare professional, you’re pretty dangerous to my health.’

‘Sorry.’ Mia laughed and stepped back to admire the window. ‘I know I’ve seen it before, but fractious fairies aside, it looks lovely. Probably the best display in years.’

‘Yeah. Really does from here.’

His tone grabbed Mia’s attention and she glanced up to catch him grinning down at her. The heat in his gaze made her realise her top was less than modest from the angle he was at.

‘Get down here, you despicable flirt!’

‘Sorry.’ He grinned, not the least bit apologetic. ‘But if that isn’t one of the best views of the year, I don’t know what would beat it!’