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“A walk?” said Poppy in despair. “But it’s cold and dark.”

“Monty would love it though,” Carrie said quickly. “You know how he likes going out in the dark.”

“We were going to go out and look at all the Christmas lights,” explained Lucy.

“That sounds very . . . cosy,” Carrie said, her eyes lighting up.

“No, it doesn’t, Mummy,” piped up Polly. “It sounds chilly.”

“You could show us which of the Christmas lights is your design?” Dylan said.

Poppy seemed to waver.

“How about I make you one of my special hot chocolates in a takeaway cup and you bring it with you?” Lucy suggested.

“Can I have some marshmallows on it, please?” asked Poppy, perking up.

“Of course, and Monty can have a puppuccino when he gets back.”

“Then Monty and I would like to come with you,” Poppy declared.

“Are you sure this is all right?” Carrie asked.

“Absolutely,” said Dylan, standing up. “We’ll have a great time.”

“Thank you so much,” said Carrie, looking hugely relieved.

“Take your time,” Dylan said. “Poppy can help me whip up something for dinner, so there’s no need for you to hurry back.”

“You guys are the best,” said Carrie. “I’ll see you later, Pumpkin.” She kissed Poppy’s head and then did the same to Monty before she left.

“Right then,” said Lucy. “Hot chocolates all round?”

Drinks were made and, a few minutes later, Lucy, Dylan, Poppy and Monty left the coffee shop. The humans were well bundled up in warm clothes, clutching their hot chocolates. Monty didn’t seem to think there was anything unusual about the outing and set out quite happily, with Poppy giving up control of his lead so that she had both hands for her cup.

“I know all the houses with the best decorations,” declared Poppy as they walked along the high street, looking at the Christmas displays in the shop windows.

It soon became apparent that Poppy was a very strict judge of Christmas decoration and had a particular distaste for any display with polar bears and penguins together (“It’s just not realistic”) and despaired of people who didn’t even have a Christmas tree by their window for passers-by to see. Inflatable figures, though, were thoroughly approved of.

Lucy and Dylan walked behind the little girl, listening to her pronouncements, smiling to one another now and again.

Lucy somehow felt warm, despite the cold of the evening.

“Guess which Christmas light is mine,” said Poppy.

Lucy and Dylan exchanged a glance.

“Well . . .” said Dylan carefully. “The reindeer is by far the best one.”

Lucy smiled as Poppy announced, “That’s mine!” She took a moment, and then said, suspiciously. “Did my mum tell you?”

“Yes,” Dylan admitted, “but it really is my favourite. It’s much better than that rubbish wonky bell.”

Poppy giggled. “Theo did that one.”

“I’m sure he tried his best,” Lucy said quickly.

“He didn’t,” Poppy said.