“It’s fine”, she says, “don’t go” and I turn back, scared to lift my eyes, fiddling with the strap on my bag, pretending to adjust it. “Here, have another cup of tea, there’s no rush, sit back down”.
I carefully sit without making eye contact, while she busies herself with cups and passes me the biscuits. The sofa is comfy, and my shoulders finally drop. I take a deep breath and start again.