“What do you think of this one?” It was the fifth outfit Ma had tried on and I was bored.

“It’s lovely.” I sighed. “A bit yellow though.”

“It’s lemon, Jane.” The voice was soft, melodic as it floated over my shoulder before Maura took a seat in the chair next to me. She wasn’t chastising me playfully as she usually had done in the past. It was a statement of fact. Nothing more.

“Maura, honey?” I felt a twist of jealousy in my gut that my mother would use such affectionate terms with Maura when I wanted to be the only one allowed such intimacies. “What do you think?”

Instantly, Maura was on her feet appraising the garment. It looked fine to me, but what did I know?

“Hmm well, the cut is a little off.” She ran her hands over the material and once more I felt that twist in my gut. “How much?” She asked ’Bun Lady’ curtly

“Including clutch and hat, $550.” All three women stared at me as I did a champagne spit-take into my lap.

“The dress alone.” Bun Lady glared at me before continuing, “$350.”

Maura seemed to consider this information before continuing approval of my mother’s outfit. “Well the material is machine stitched.” I sat in awe, both of her knowledge and the fact she was pissing off Bun Lady and didn’t appear to give a shit. “For this money, I’d prefer it to be hand stitched and the colour isn’t you at all.”

Bun Lady turned and stormed back towards some more emotional shoppers, leaving the three of us alone.

“Thank you, Maura.” She turned and stepped from the plinth and disappeared into the back room to change.

“So, how are you?” I asked, daring to steal a glance as Maura returned to the seat next to me.

“I’m fine, thank you.” She crossed her hands in her lap and smiled weakly at me. I’ve never seen her look so sad while smiling. “And you, are you well?”

It felt like we were strangers.

“Maur?” I twisted, facing her fully in the seat. “What’s happened to us?” I swallowed away the terror that rose in my throat. I had long since guessed her reasons but had never dared to ask. The fact that I had right now surprised even me.