On Christmas morning, Tim tears the paper off of a large box. His jaw drops at the contents. "The Complete Works of Shakespeare! Thanks!"
Mum beams and gives Tim a hug. "All proper gentlemen ought to know Shakespeare. I'm just glad someone is as interested in our culture as I am," she says, winking at Dad.
"'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.' That's all the Shakespeare I need," Dad says, giving Mum a kiss. "Go on Molly, it's your turn to open a present."
Twelve-year-old Molly gasps when she opens her present. "A chemistry set! Dad, it's amazing!"
"Just don't burn the house down," Dad teases.
More presents follow: clothes and books for both children, and for Molly, a makeup kit. "I thought you'd like a chance to practice before the new term starts," Mum explains.
The girl dutifully says "thank you" but spends the rest of the day playing with the chemistry set and trying not to notice Mum's disappointed gaze. Molly's greatest fear is that people will never let her be herself.