Up until the poor unfortunate death of Mr Gusman, Belle I never crossed paths – to talk anyway. I would see Belle every time she docked in town, spreading her warm smiles everywhere she went. I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I altered my routine slightly, changing when I went to Granny’s on mornings I knew she would be there.

In retrospect in slightly more unfavorable terms, it could be considered stalking. Fortunately Belle looks kindly on the months I ‘pined’ for her – her words, not mine. What did I think of her? She was a bright light in an otherwise grey world. She even occasionally had a smile for the town monster, despite what I’m sure young Miss Lucas told her about me.