Page 17 of The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field

‘Can I have a mobile phone?’ Sara crammed a chip into her mouth.

Harriet’s spirits sank. ‘No, cariad, you can’t.’

‘But, Mam, everyone in school has got one. I’m the only one who hasn’t.’

‘We can’t afford it. Sorry.’ She suspected Sara was exaggerating again, but even if she wasn’t, Harriet thought her too young to have a mobile, even if money wasn’t an issue.

Sara’s expression turned mutinous, and she narrowed her eyes and jutted out her chin.

‘Maybe next year,’ Harriet said.

‘Can I have a mobile, too?’ Bobby knew he was pushing his luck, Harriet could tell, but she didn’t blame him for trying.

‘Definitely not. How about we get the craft box out after we’ve taken the dog for a walk? That would be fun, wouldn’t it?’

Bobby perked up, but Sara didn’t look convinced. Uncannily, Harriet had the feeling that her daughter knew she was up to something, and considering that the craft box was usually reserved for rainy days, Sara was right.

‘I thought it would be a nice touch if we made Darlene a birthday card,’ Harriet added casually.

Sara stared at her in disbelief.

‘It’ll be more personal than if we bought one,’ Harriet persevered, knowing from the expression on her daughter’s face that she’d already lost the battle.

‘I’m not giving Darlene a handmade card,’ Sara said in a flat voice.

‘It’s no different to buying a handmade card off Etsy,’ Harriet pointed out, ignoring Sara’s ‘yeah, right’ look, and wondering whether she should go ahead and just buy one anyway. Owen would never know.

‘It’ll look awful,’ Sara snapped.

‘It mightn’t.’ Harriet tried to be chirpy. ‘If we’re any good at this, we could start our own Etsy shop. What do you say?’

‘We’ll be millionaires!’ Bobby cried, ignoring Sara’s sneer. ‘I bet I can make the best one.’

‘Bet you can’t.’ Sara’s retort was automatic and Harriet knew that her heart wasn’t in it. Sara’s default setting was to contradict everything Bobby said.

‘I think both your cards will be fantastic,’ Harriet enthused.

‘Huh.’ Sara finished her meal and pushed her plate away.

‘I’ll quickly wash up, then we’ll get going.’ Harriet got to her feet and collected the dirty dishes. ‘Sara, it’s your turn to dry; Bobby, can you find Etta’s lead?’

Sara rolled her eyes but did as she was asked. Harriet made sure the children did some chores – although she had to remind them constantly.

‘Mam, can I go shopping with Catrin on Saturday? She’s going to Dolgellau and her mam said I can go with them.’

‘If you want,’ Harriet said. It was kind of Kelly to let Sara go with them; Catrin and Sara had been friends since primary school, and Harriet was relieved that Sara wanted to spend time with her, as she hadn’t heard Catrin’s name mentioned for a while. It had been Darlene this, and Darlene that, lately.

‘I thought I could buy something to wear to Darlene’s birthday party,’ Sara added.

‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’Drat, I should have anticipated that, Harriet thought.

‘Kelly can help me choose. She’s sensible.’

‘I know she is, my lovely, but it’s not fair on her. I wouldn’t like it if the shoe was on the other foot. I’d be worrying whether Kelly would approve. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve got something in your wardrobe that you can wear.’

‘I haven’t.’ Sara was adamant.

‘What about that dress you wore for Granny’s birthday?’

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