“I disliked looking in mirrors, but I wanted to check I had everything right, so I went into Alfie's room and stood in front of his with my eyes shut. I counted down from ten, and when I got to three, I opened them.
There was Lottie in the flesh, with her long chin and awkward stance, and her fidgeting fingers that never knew what to do with themselves. I almost felt sorry for her. She put her hands on her hips, accentuating her waistline. I glared at her, and she glared straight back.”