A Friend in Need

Stella just wanted to get her mind off Ben – she hadn’t expected to lose her heart all over again

- Eliza Compton

What are you doing on Saturday morning?’

Marion was standing at Stella’s desk with a trio of mugs in her hand.

‘Unpacking boxes, probably,’ said Stella, puzzled. The women had shared an office at the advertising agency for years but rarely met up after work and never socialised at the weekends. ‘My family thing was cancelled.’

Truth be told, Stella had been dreading the brunch. She wasn’t ready to talk about the break-up with Ben yet.

‘I have a better idea,’ said Marion. ‘I’m going to Highgate dogs’ home to get inspiration for a charity job.

‘They’ve asked us to create a new campaign to reduce the number of abandoned dogs. I think you should come since you’ll be working on it, too.’

‘But, I don’t even really like dogs,’ Stella protested weakly.

‘That doesn’t matter. They’ll need to reach people like you, who don’t care about this crisis. Your ideas will be really useful.’

‘I’m not that heartless! Will I get time off in lieu?’

Marion ignored her question. ‘Right, I’ll pick you up at 9am, then. Wear sensible shoes and bring an open mind.’ She raised the mugs. ‘Do you want tea?’

Stella gave up resisting. She smiled and nodded her head.

On Saturday morning, Stella got up early. She sipped her coffee, taking in the view out of the kitchen window into her new garden.