More than anything

"Properly fancy," Greta insists. "Like a crown. Ooh, I'll need a brush and some pins — hang on." She scoots sideways along the cushions to avoid upsetting Saoirse or Poppy as she gets to her feet, and gives Larita's shoulder a fond touch in passing as she goes to fetch the equipment she needs.

Distantly, this feels like an absurd use of her time. But knowing that Saoirse needs the distraction as well makes it feel a bit less frivolous than it otherwise might. She finds a brush and some bobby pins easily enough, then grabs a hand mirror for good measure before returning to the living room. The pins and mirror get set on the end table, and she resettles herself behind Saoirse and begins brushing out her hair. Best to start with a clean canvas, so to speak.

"I'll try not to tug too hard," she says as she works the brush thought Saoirse's straight locks, "but let me know if anything pinches."