I stand up and look at the rest of the room. My newly discovered laptop is charging next to the socket, and there’s a pile of unopened boxes stacked up against the far wall. Those ones are Elspeth’s and though Sonia has offered to help go through them I know that I need to be alone to do that.

‘Shall I start putting these on to the shelves?’ says Sonia, gesturing to the books.

‘No, there’s no need,’ I say. ‘I can do that later. Why don’t you head home now? You’ve been such a help.’

‘If you’re sure,’ says Sonia, standing up. ‘I’d planned to meet my mate Tina for a drink later.’

‘That sounds nice,’ I say as I walk her to the door. ‘Where are you going?’

‘Just into town,’ she says. ‘There’s a new bar just opened that Tina likes the look of. It’ll be full of hipsters but it should be a laugh.’

‘Well, enjoy yourself,’ I say, suddenly feeling very old.

‘I’ll try to,’ she says, opening the door. ‘Though we’ll probably just end up talking about our dissertations. We’re such a pair of bores. Anyway, have a good night too, Maggie. And if you need me for anything I’ll have my phone right next to me all night.’ She looks at me warily.

‘I’ll be fine,’ I say brightly. ‘You go and enjoy your evening.’

‘Okay,’ she says, smiling. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘See you tomorrow, Sonia, and thanks again,’ I say, closing the door behind her.