Inside the office, Stuart called the Russian HR manager to ask him to come down when he was available. The news of the redundancy situation had affected Stuart, he looked as though his zest for the job had gone. I was glad I hadn’t been in to witness it. He said he didn’t know what he was going to do yet.

When the Russian came down, we sat down around the table in Stuart’s office.

‘I’d like to accept the voluntary redundancy package that was sent through please.’

‘Okay, Stuart, what sort of handover period do you think Eve will need to provide.’

‘I should imagine a few days, a week at most. However, Eve is currently on sick leave.’

‘Yes, of course. Eve, do you think you would be up to coming in next week to show Jessica the ropes?’

I nodded. So, my replacement was called Jessica? I hadn’t heard her name before. A twinge of jealousy hit my side. Why wasn’t Stuart fighting for me to stay? Was she the better one out of the two of us?

‘I believe once the handover is completed, we can pay you in lieu of your notice, which will begin on Friday the twentieth of October, for four weeks. On top of your redundancy package, which you will receive in a lump sum.’

‘I won’t have to come in once the handover is complete?’ That was a result.

‘No, it’s not necessary. I understand you’ve recently had a traumatic time. Drive will always ensure its employees are treated compassionately, and given your extenuating circumstances, I don’t think it’s in anyone’s best interest to make you work your notice.’ He pushed the offer in writing, across the desk. Placing a pen on top. ‘Now, if you’ll just sign here and here, we can get this tied up today.’

Thirty minutes later, I left the office, a weird feeling bubbling inside me. Positive and excited for change, but also nervous and worried for the future. What if I couldn’t get a job as quickly as I needed to? What if I couldn’t find one that paid as well?

My phone rang, it was Mum. I hadn’t spoken to her since she’d cut me off.

‘Hi, Mum.’

‘I’ve been trying to get hold of you? I’ve rung every day. Are you okay? If you hadn’t answered, I was going to drive down.’ I wouldn’t put it past her to just turn up. She’d done it before. I hadn’t missed any calls though, so she couldn’t have been trying that hard to get in touch.

‘I’m fine.’

‘You said you were raped?’

‘I don’t want to talk about it now, Mum.’ That ship had sailed.

‘I want to let you know I’m here if you need me.’

I rolled my eyes, sure she was.