in loco parentis

My neighbour D hasn't been well recently and her friends sent her some flowers. But she was going on holiday for a short break so she gave them to us to enjoy whilst she's away.

The flowers are bright and vivacious and colourful and they make you smile when you see them, they're just like D.

I'm trying to keep them looking as good to give them back when she comes home, I want her to smile too.