‘You’re not a coward, Nelson,’ said Dr Oristo. ‘You’re a kind, intelligent young man who has difficulties with social situations and with confrontation. There are always going to be people out there who take advantage of other people’s good nature and, while I don’t know this man, it seems to me that Martin Rice is one of those people. But all of this will continue until you stand up to him.’

‘I know,’ said Nelson. ‘And when I’m talking to you, it all seems so simple. But then the days pass and I start struggling again. On my way here, I tried to talk to a woman at the Tube station. I followed your advice and somehow ended up saying something stupid about concentration camps being bad places.’

‘But concentration camps are bad places,’ said Dr Oristo, looking a little confused.

‘I know, but you don’t bring them up within sixty seconds of meeting someone, do you? Nazis should be kept until the third date, I feel.’

Dr Oristo burst out laughing and Nelson stared at her in surprise. This was something that had never happened before.

‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘That was unprofessional of me.’

Nelson smiled. He never made anyone laugh, let alone women.

‘And did you strike up this conversation or did she?’ asked Dr Oristo.

‘She did. She was looking over and made a remark about my clothes. She said she’d always had a thing for men in scrubs.’

‘Which you shouldn’t have been wearing.’

‘I know but … well, I was. And we got talking. I didn’t run away; I actually stood there and spoke to her. She seemed very nice. I liked her freckles.’

‘She was attracted to you.’

‘I doubt it.’

‘Nelson, she was. Women don’t approach strange men on Tube platforms and start talking to them unless they think that man looks friendly and interesting. And, believe me, you’re a very strange man. She must have been attracted to you.’

‘Well, if she was, it only took a few minutes for her to see sense.’

‘But at least you engaged with her, and you should be proud of that. That’s what these sessions are all about, remember? Building your confidence. Trying to help you talk to people without feeling such anxiety.’ She paused for a few moments, waiting for Nelson to agree, but when he said nothing, she spoke again. ‘How are things with your parents these days?’ she asked. ‘I presume you’re still living at home?’

‘Of course. Where else would I be living?’

‘Many twenty-two-year-olds have their own places these days.’

‘Not in London, they don’t. And if they do, it’s a cardboard box by the banks of the Thames. Anyway, I like it at home. I feel safe there. Although, earlier today, Mum arrived home with a tortoise. So that’s a worry.’

‘A tortoise?’