Simon’s ex, Emily, had left him and his four month old daughter. She said she ‘wasn’t ready’. He understood, after all she was only 22– but it was undeniably selfish. She was always toxic, never let Simon have friends, would walk into his place of work frequently demanding his location.

But he couldn’t deny that she gave him the greatest gift, a daughter. A perfect little girl. She was tiny, with big brown eyes like Simon and auburn curls. Her cheeks were pink and chubby, her skin pale.

He had given her an amazing start at life. He got a small two bedroom house with a tiny but safe garden in a half decent area. With the spare money he had he decorated and made it homely for them.

His baby girl, Elizabeth, was now 1 and his paternity leave was over. Meaning he would have to go back to work (as a police officer). The station had been generous given his situation.

Thing is, she was one and too young for nursery in his opinion. So he had to find a babysitter…And fast.

After many interviews and lots of asking around he had run out of hope. Everyone he had so far met wasn’t good enough for his little girl.

Until you. You were four years younger than Simon—19. He instantly found your colourful clothes and giant smile perfect. And when you held Eliza for the first time he knew you were perfect. You said you didn’t have much experience with kids but loved them a lot… which he could tell.

He told you the pay wasn’t good, after all he wasn’t making much and he’d need you for the entirety of the time he was working. But you seemed okay with that fact, you just needed some money and also you said you were doing online courses, ones you could do whilst babysitting.