‘I think it really struck a chord; she’s kept it for the week too.’

‘That’s brilliant. I’m so glad that you’re getting on so well. I thought you would. You were so brilliant that day in class, and Arnold’s been singing your praises.’

‘He’s been a really good mentor.’

‘Yeah, but there are some things that you can’t teach and building a quick rapport with kids isn’t easy, and whilst everyone can read to the kids not everyone can get them to connect to what they’re reading. Arnold said that you manage to get through to Lola despite her resisting the sessions.’

‘I’m not really too sure what to say to that.’

‘You say thank you, as it’s a compliment, and then you feel good about what you’re doing.’ Claudia raises her eyebrows, waiting for me to give it a go.

‘Thank you,’ I say with a little reluctance. It doesn’t come very naturally to me.

‘Look at you smiling. Do I take it to mean you’ve got that warm, fuzzy feeling inside?’

‘Yeah, I have. Is that what it’s like being a teacher?’

Claudia laughs. ‘I wish. Although we do get it sometimes, in amongst all the report writing and the other things we’re supposed to do. But yes, every so often you feel like you’re making a difference, and those are the moments that in the dark days when you’re surrounded by a classroom of kids who aren’t listening to a word you say, that’s what you have to think about. Those children who will remember your name for the rest of their lives for being the one that helped them or listened to them or made them feel seen for the first time. Those are the moments that you cling to.’

‘I’d love to make a difference in my job.’

‘I’m sure you do.’

‘In the world of office supplies, I make a difference by ensuring data hasn’t being stolen when the files are securely shredded.’

‘You are too harsh on yourself. I have no doubt you make a difference in other ways. Take your employees, for example. Didn’t you say before that it’s been a difficult market for you over the last few years? I’m pretty sure that your staff would argue that you’ve been making a difference by keeping them in a job and their mortgage paid.’

‘I’ve never thought of it like that. And there was me going to ask you about teaching and whether it was too late for me to retrain.’

‘Oh, Edie.’ Her whole face lights up. ‘I think you’d make a wonderful teacher.’

‘But what about all the bad bits you were talking about?’

‘They don’t outweigh the good bits, unless we’re having an inspection and then I’d definitely urge you to have any career other than teaching.’