‘This almost seems too good to be true.’

Emmanuel looks at me sincerely. ‘Sadly, in some ways it is, if you think about the UK workplace as a whole. But slowly, we are becoming less of an exception.’

‘I think your approach is amazing. The one thing it doesn’t help me with, though, is me.’ I chuckle briefly, then turn serious as the memories flood back. ‘I experienced a lot of guilt and frustration when I was off previously. I’m really driven, and not being able to do my job was like someone had tied my hands behind my back.’

‘It must be very difficult for you having to face physical limitations in a way you never have before; I could see from your CV that you’re a go-getter. Let’s just keep talking, and when the time comes, I’ll help you in any way I can.’

I flinch a little at the use of the term ‘when the time comes’. It’s a frank and certain statement – too much so for my liking. But I’d be kidding myself if I used the word ‘if’ – it’s inevitable I’ll have another relapse; I just have no idea when it will be. On top of that, it’s been explained to me how my more permanent symptoms can worsen under some circumstances, such as from colds and viral infections, or extreme stress and pressure.

‘Is that all right with you, Alex?’ Emmanuel prompts me.

I drag my mind back to the moment. ‘Sorry, yes. That works for me.’

‘Good. Just one final thing. As per your request, no one but myself, Sally, the HR consultant who also interviewed you, and the occupational health doctor is aware of your situation. It is completely confidential, and that situation will only change should you wish it to.’

‘That’s really important to me.’ I look her straight in the eye to accentuate this point. ‘So, thank you.’

‘I know it is. Now, shall we head back to the office?’

Chapter 12

Back in the main reception of my new office, Emmanuel signs for my staff pass, which is there waiting for me, then we head for the office. As the lift doors ping open on the ninth floor, we’re met by a long bright corridor with opaque glass walls separating us from the workspaces on the other side. Emmanuel leads me to an office suite with the company’s name and logo proudly displayed at the door.

I follow Emmanuel across the office space where there are about a hundred and fifty desks in total and a sea of people looking very busy.

‘This is your desk.’ She stops at a bank of six desks and pats the back of one of the chairs, right beside the window, overlooking Brindley Place. ‘And this is your laptop.’ She picks up a smart-looking HP laptop and hands it to me.

‘Great.’ I take a few steps forward so I can see out the window, down to the plaza below. ‘Nice view. I’ll enjoy sitting here.’