‘Well, on that point, I think the main thing that struck me when I turned thirty was how important it is to make changes where you need to in your life,’ says Sophie from behind her Gucci sunglasses. ‘Relationships mean more, being around the right people, finding your own tribe you might call it, I suppose. Does that make sense?’

I put my glass down onto the dainty little wooden holder that Sophie bought for the occasion today and contemplate her words. I have so, so much to be grateful for right now. I’m healthy, as is all my family, even if Matthew is sometimes a grumpy bugger to be around when he’s having a bad day for any one of many reasons, from the serious to the simple things. I have a job in a school I adore, I have the most beautiful home in the city in a top location, I’ve great friends both old and new, plus the man in my life treats me like I’m the most important person in the world. I’m one of the lucky ones. I’ve plenty to celebrate today, and lots to smile about.

I lift my glass again and raise it to my new close friend, Sophie.

‘Here’s to my next trip around the sun and all it brings,’ I say to her, feeling a tiny glow of excitement at all I have to look forward to in my life. ‘I’m glad I met you, Sophie. You’re one of my tribe for sure.’

Even though I don’t like to admit it, Sophie gets me, more than even Emily or Kirsty does. She knows I’ve an itch to travel, she knows I’ve creativity and music bubbling in my veins, she knows I’m a free spirit longing to break free from the ties to my brother but that I am afraid to do so at the same time. It’s like she can see the real me behind the façade I sometimes feel I’ve created and, in many ways, the way we connect reminds me of the only other person I feel that way around. The one I’m so determined to disconnect from. I’m glad I’ve found a soul mate in Sophie; it reassures me I’m moving on at long last.