The loud ding ding of the bell alerted the assistant to their presence. “Hello there, can I help?” She smiled as she greeted Karen and Michael.

“Hello,” Karen said. “My son is starting secondary school in September and needs a uniform.”

“Are you really?” The kind-looking lady asked the nervous-looking boy, “…and which school are you going to?”

“Ashford,” Karen replied on his behalf. “He’s a little nervous about going there.” She added as his hand gripped hers a little more tightly.

“Well, you’ve got nothing to worry about.” The lady said, crouching down and addressing Michael directly. “My son goes to Ashford too and he really likes it… it is a very good school.”

Michael squeezed a smile. She was only being nice and whether or not Ashford was a good school wasn’t the issue for him.

“Why don’t we get you measured up.” The lady said before returning to her full height and addressing his mother. “So what does he need?” She asked, “Everything?” She assumed.

Karen nodded and smiled, “Shorts, shirts, shoes, overcoat, games kit…” She tapped each item on her fingers as she spoke, “…oh and a swimming costume.” She added pressing down on her thumb. She glanced down at her son who nervously looked up at her, before looking nervously towards the shop assistant and the numerous shelves of school wear behind her.

The assistant smiled down at him. “Don’t worry, it’s not a girl’s swimming costume.” She reassured, knowing full well the fear and apprehension all-new Ashford boys went through.