‘Now I know you’re back! You’re still the only person that calls me that!’

‘Sorry … Lizzie,’ he said, and the small talk ran out. Elizabeth’s expression changed, her brow creased, her lips pursed and Richard recognised someone who was just about to offer their condolences. He had already come back to work once since losing Angela, but his return had been too early and a big reason he hadn’t been able to cope was the reactions of his colleagues. For some reason, people felt the need to go straight into insincere attempts at sympathy or empty gestures of anything I can do, you just let me know while they pussyfooted around him like he was made of porcelain. He was quick to cut in before Elizabeth could speak again.

‘Is Carole in?’ he asked her.

‘Oh, yeah! She was in the loading area last I see her. That’s … that’s why I’m here actually.’ Lizzie suddenly looked embarrassed. ‘I’ve snuck out for an extra break. I don’t normally but it’s just so busy …’ Her words petered out. Richard had his hand raised.

‘I understand, mum’s the word.’ He winked too.

Elizabeth’s smile was genuine. Richard held the door for her and continued along the corridor. She heard Elizabeth call after him. ‘It’s so nice to see you back!’

The loading area was on the other side of the building. Richard walked past the offices and break room to go out onto the shop floor. Again, the smell was the thing that was instantly recognisable. It was a mix of freshly cut wood and forklift truck fumes: delicious. He made his way across the aisles, waving and nodding as co-workers did a double-take then broke out into a smile. Some started forming their sympathy faces but he swept past them all before they could add words. The load area was instantly cooler. The big doors were open straight ahead. The lumbering shape of a lorry pulled away, filling the large space with noise and more fumes. It was all so familiar and Richard’s desire to be back in amongst it all was getting stronger with every step. Carole was straight ahead and bent forward over a clipboard, her pen busy. Richard waited a few paces away until she finished. She still jumped.

‘Oh! I didn’t see you there! Wait … Do we have an appointment?’

‘No! No, nothing like that. I just thought I would pop in and see you. Have you got a moment for a quick chat?’

‘Chat? Yes, of course. I could do with a coffee anyway.’

‘Sounds good!’