I felt small looks thrown my way but somehow managed to prevail, holding my head high. There was no way I was going to let them affect me anymore. Before I could take a step further, a little girl came bundling down and almost crashed into my legs. My arms steadied her before she could hit the ground.

"Are you quite alright, my love?" I asked delicately, bending down to her level. She couldn't be more than five, dressed in a set of pyjamas with teddy bears printed on ...