A couple of weeks ago, the Princess and her friend E went shopping together in town. Alone – unaccompanied by parents. They were given two hours, a limited range (one shopping centre) and a mobile phone.
In advance, she was full of excitement. She chose her outfit with great care and applied a limited amount of make up (birthday present from E). Her eyes shone with anticipation; she couldn’t stop smiling. I tried to point out that a period of two hours in a shopping centre, even in a large shopping centre, was likely to be dull but to no avail, she was undaunted. I went to collect her in some trepidation. It was wonderful. They had the best time ever. They ordered lunch together. They bought a magnetic necklace in two halves that said Be Fri and st ends. They took a photograph of themselves in a photo booth.
Last weekend they did it again, they were given 3 hours and a wider radius including streets near the shopping centre. She was mildly excited in advance. Afterwards, I asked how it was, “Fine, grand, you know.”