The frame was pretty, simple and dainty. The lenses weren't any of those.

"How bad is your eyesight?" she asked.

"Bad enough that I'm completely helpless if something happens with my contacts."

"What if something does?"

"I've always got a pair of glasses in my handbag."

"Would you mind showing me?"

"The case is bright red. You shouldn't have any trouble finding it."

She examined them. The frame was pretty. It was another lucky thrift shop find I'd added to my collection; a simple and rather dainty cat-eye frame in pale, silvery blue aluminium. The lenses weren't either pretty or simple but Beryl had at least done her best to ensure that they were as dainty as possible.

The silence lasted through Betty's Bay.