Characters of Ayrburn – A Red Beret

A striking haircut, someone once said, is a lady's most important fashion accessory. Young Patty Paterson of Ayrburn would doubtless have agreed with this proverb. Because like her sisters, Patty (aged thirteen) had never experienced the thrill of a new hair style. Her father (RM Paterson) was so proud of his three daughters' impressively lengthy locks that he had forbidden them from receiving even the smallest of trims.

Patty had, naturally, grown tired of her 'boringly' long hair. A change was in order. So, she snuck out of the family Homestead and found the nearest coiffeur. She opted for a style that can only be described as... minimal. And since her fate was already sure to be punishment, Patty decided to defy her paternal figure a second time by buying herself the brightest poppy-red beret she could find. A new cut, a new hat, a new Patty.

RM was so angered by the irreversible effects of his daughter's actions that he refused to talk to her for three whole weeks. None of which could dampen Patty's elation. As well as giving her two new fashion accessories, the trip into town had taught her an important lesson: that a father's will is no match for a daughter's desire for individuality.