Page 62

‘Knitting?’ says Horse, sounding slightly bemused. ‘As an entertainment?’

‘Yes. We’re the Three Wise Knitters.’

‘We want to come and knit Christmas baubles for people to hang on their trees. Like these.’ Anne holds up a little knitted angel.

And as I look at the little figure, I realize it’s actually a lovely idea.

‘That’s beautiful,’ I say, with a glance at Will. He nods brightly.

‘Thank you,’ they all say, smiling at him.

Horse is nodding too, impressed. ‘I’m sure lots of people would like to buy those.’

‘We’d be donating any proceeds to a charity,’ Anne explains.

‘Perfect,’ I say and smile. ‘Thank you for coming today.’

‘When do we start?’

‘First of December.’ As I say it, I feel a little thrill at the way this is all taking shape.

‘We’ll be here with our needles!’ And they leave.

‘Who’s next?’ calls Luke.

A man and woman come in, holding hands with a young girl about Will’s age. Dressed in a beautiful gold outfit, she’s shy but smiling. She waves to Will, and he gasps.

‘It’s my friend Khadiza, from the takeaway in town!’ he says.

I smile at his excitement.

‘Oh yes!’ says Horse. Of course, I remember; he’s met this family. ‘Hi, guys. Great of you to come.’

‘Hi,’ Khadiza says cheerfully.

‘Khadiza is very keen to get involved,’ says her dad.

‘What would you like to do, Khadiza?’ I ask her.

‘Anything really,’ she says softly.

‘How about helping Lara in the barn with the animals?’

‘You can be the angel if you like?’ Will suggests.

‘Or help Will. He’s going to be showing people trees, explaining their personalities to help people choose. You can do a bit of both, if you like?’ I say.

‘That would be fun. I’d like that,’ she says.

‘Well, then we’ll see you on the first of December.’

And they leave, Will and Khadiza waving happily to one another until the family disappears out the door.

‘That looks to be everyone,’ says Luke, checking his list.

‘Well, we’ve got some great acts.’

Delilah the donkey lets out another loud bray.