1. Ellie watches me intently as I work on the crossword she has made for me. In between puzzling I watch her, marvelling at how tall and stylish she has become.
2. Godmother Catherine brings Bettany, among other wonderful things, a set of clear plastic balls with tumbling spindles inside. Bettany throws them and chases them as they roll around the floor. I stare at them fascinated, half-expecting them to hold the key to perpetual motion.
3. To discover that two apparently unconnected friends know each other.
