I want to tell her that I’m more than a bit worked up, but even in the state I’m in I know none of this is Thea’s fault, so I do as she asks. She perches herself on the edge of the bed and pushes her hands under her thighs as she watches me sip her infusion. It tastes good – I can taste lemons, but other herbs too. For a moment my mind is distracted as I try to identify the ingredients, and as always Thea seems able to read my mind.

‘It’s got some camomile in it,’ she says, ‘but I like lemon balm for stress, and a bit of sage too, not forgetting the valerian. Oh, and a bit of passion flower. All designed to make you feel better.’

It seems to be working, but maybe it’s the comfort of a hot drink and my hands cupped around a warm mug. ‘I lost it, Thea. I really lost it with him.’

She smiles. ‘Good. From all that you’ve told me, it sounds as if he deserves everything you threw at him. Do you have a plan?’

‘I told him to get out because I want to let the spare room. If he’s not gone in two days, I’m going to tell that snotty kid at the building society to repossess the house and throw him out on the street. At least I’ll get my deposit back.’ I can hear my voice getting a little calmer and my breathing has steadied. I feel a pang of guilt about the way I spoke to the girl, who was only trying to do her job.

‘Would you like to have a chat with the doctor? He is so good at helping people see things as they are.’

I don’t want to be rude, but I remember the last session. ‘What value do you bring to the world?’ he had asked. I have thought of those words often since, and on top of everything else I don’t think I could cope with feeling worthless right now.

‘It’s kind of you,’ I answer, relieved that my manners seem to be returning, ‘but for now I think I’m fine. I’ve expended so much energy over the last few hours that I think I might have a bath and go to bed. Is that okay?’

Thea pushes herself to her feet. ‘Of course, dear. But you need to eat something. I made us some soup for lunch – how about that? I’ll go down and get you some now.’

‘No, Thea. It’s fine, honestly,’ I say, embarrassed about all she is doing for me.

‘I’m not taking no for an answer,’ she says. ‘Back in a moment.’

I give in. I am starting to feel lethargic and I imagine it’s the adrenaline seeping from my system. I’ll probably just do as I’m told.