This is a replay of my life a dozen times over. It’s not lost on me that this is no existence, but I have no choice. I get into these situations; sometimes, running is the only way out.

I waste time looking for a bag and get extremely anxious as the clock keeps ticking. I pull out a small gym holdall I assume is his from the wardrobe and push what I can inside. Pulling on a jacket, I go to the window to open it. It takes effort; even though this is a modern and well-maintained ...