The opening pages introduce you to the loneliness and isolation that often comes with old age. The strong sense of anxiety cloaks the reader and brings sympathy to the character Missy. Missy is terminally bored and insecure and emotionally feels gratitude at being noticed in the park by a friendly lady called Sylvie. Sylvie is easy going, undemanding and flippantly generous and she invites Missy to join her for coffee. As the reader, you excitedly hope that Missy will accept, but as is so often true in life, Missy declines the offer she is so desperate to accept and retreats back to her isolation. Exclamations of ‘bristle of shame’ and ‘no triumph in survival’ have you wondering what has made Missy such a recluse. Then, per chance, Missy and Sylvie meet again, the glimpse of friendship is rekindled for the reader and you can’t wait to find out if Missy takes up the second chance.