Pip concentrated on the girl’s face, painting swirls and patterns, (sometimes even a cat if she’s up for the challenge) being careful not to mess up. She really wasn’t an artist.

Her brother’s birthday party was in full swing. Josh running around with his friends, music blasting through loud speakers and her parents by the barbecue, laughing and hugging. Pip had to look away from the sight of her parents, unable to look at them after what she learnt.

After finishing the girls face, Pip stood up and cleaned her hands before noticing you in the corner of her eye. You two were in the same year at school and she knew you were here because your brother was friends with Josh.

You’ve never spoken before, but you were the only person here her age and she needed a distraction, so she decided to walk over. “Want to get your face painted?” She asks jokingly, stealing a cracker off your plate and eating it. “I do a mean butterfly.”