‘Alicia Jones asked how you were getting on, and I couldn’t even reply. How do you think that felt? I was humiliated.’ She sniffed a couple more times. ‘Anyway, I have to go. Karina’s paused Call The Midwife and I need an early night after all this stress.’

She hung up.

‘Thanks, Mum,’ I muttered at the silent phone. ‘You’ve made me feel much better about living here by myself. Oh, and I’m doing really well, in case Alicia’s interested.’

I sent a note back to my delightful neighbour.

Thanks for the heads up. I will endeavour to hit the right notes next time. Any special requests? Ollie

Monday, I carried out a full day’s induction for my new team of part-time reading coaches, followed by stripping off the remaining dregs of the bedroom wallpaper. This time, I kept my headphones in and my singing subdued. On Tuesday, I welcomed my second new reader to Bigley Bottom library.

In my initial chat with Yasmin, she told me she’d been granted asylum earlier in the year, and was now looking for work. She didn’t volunteer any information about where she’d come from, or why, only that she’d previously worked as a dental hygienist, and was hoping to eventually gain the right qualifications to find a similar job here. She’d ended up in Bigley because a volunteer at the refugee support group she attended rented out flats in the village. Refusing to accept any benefits, she’d initially survived week to week by dog-walking, which then led to dog-sitting for a wealthy businessman who spent half the year travelling. Yasmin came across as a sombre woman. Hunched shoulders and haunted brown eyes suggested far deeper wounds than the burn scars covering the backs of her hands and forearms. However, when she talked about those dogs, her entire demeanour transformed.

‘Half the month, I live on rice and vegetables. But when Mr Howard tells me to help myself to the fridge, I won’t say no. Those dogs eat steak and organic chicken, so why shouldn’t I?’ She shook her head, dark plait swaying. ‘This is what my life has come to – I eat like a dog now!’

She burst into laughter so unexpected, I couldn’t help joining in.

We established that while Yasmin’s spoken English was competent, she needed help getting her reading and writing up to college level. Given the focus with which she tackled our first session, I predicted she’d be there in a couple of months.

As soon as she left, Irene stomped over.

‘Good morning, Irene. How are you on this gorgeous day?’

Irene’s nostrils flared in reply. I waited for her to get to the point.