‘It was a hard time for us all and looking back I wouldn’t have done anything differently. But the job was only meant to be temporary. I hadn’t envisaged being there for seventeen years, or that it would become my career. It’s almost like I drifted into my life, and although I’m so grateful for the experience – I’ve been able to work with some wonderful people and to live a comfortable life – I’m just not sure I want to keep doing it forever.’

I finally stop to take a breath and I risk a glance at my dad. I start to panic that I should have waited until he was better to have this conversation. But to my relief he’s actually smiling at me.

‘You know, I’ve been bracing myself for this speech for a long time.’

‘You have?’

‘Uh-huh. There’s absolutely no denying that I needed you in

the company when Jan died. But you’re right, Aaron and Claire can cope and we can always bring someone in. You know as well as I do that a company has to evolve to stay alive and I guess that’s true of people too.’

I choke on a laugh, in shock at his reaction. ‘Dad, what has that operation done to you?’

‘I guess it was yet another reminder that life’s too short, there’s no point in spending your time doing something you don’t love.’

I’m stunned. I’d always been too afraid to have this conversation with my dad, fearing that I would be unable to resist his pleas to stay, but this … this I was not expecting.

‘Are you all right? Didn’t you want my blessing?’ He laughs and takes a sip of water. He winces a little and it reminds me how fragile he still is.

‘I did. I just didn’t expect … I thought you’d try and talk me out of it.’

‘All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be truly happy and I’d hate to think that you’re staying at Porter’s out of obligation. So, what is it you’re wanting to do?’

‘I’m, er,’ I stutter in shock. ‘I’m thinking of training to be a teacher.’

I’m not sure why I wince when I say it but maybe it’s because I’d spent the last few weeks reading forums about teaching as a career and it’s hit home how tough it could be. There were so many negative comments online about the workload and school inspections, but for every one of those there was one from a teacher who showed such passion for their job, and that made me want to at least try.

‘I think you’d make a wonderful teacher,’ says Julie.

Dad nods in agreement. ‘You really will.’