My 14 year old usually has six hours of dancing tuition a week. She’s Aspie and it’s the biggest joy in her life. All cancelled of course. For the last two days one of the Big Girls has said she’d do a virtual class with her. Mari got all dressed by 2pm each day (class at 4pm)

Points on, hair in a bun. Both days the Big Girl cancelled 5 mins before because “something came up” . (What? There is nothing any more). Mari has sobbed uncontrollably with bitter disappointment. Cue today. Third day. Same story. Mari dressed. Tone and I wringing our hands.

4pm came and went. Mari sitting in the garden with the iPad in her ballet shoes starting to melt down. We had a talk with her. Told her people are unreliable and we have to kick them off and move on. But The Big Girl is “nice”. Uncomprehending. 4.45pm. Phone rang. It’s her.

So relieved I could sob. Their worlds have shrunk so much. This had taken monumental importance for her. It is SO tough on the kids. But- another hurdle cleared. The class is happening now...

And please anticipate the level of frostiness i shall be when I finally meet this girl. You know liquid nitrogen that they freeze warts off with? That.