‘Actually … he was in the lot when I pulled in, ran right out in front of me.’ Alexi looks grim, and despite myself and my usual lack of empathy for most human beings, a massive pang of pain strikes me across the chest, killing my libido dead. In complete horror, I grab his wrist impulsively, clutching him in painful panic.

‘Oh my god, you didn’t …?’ Tears hit my eyes. Such a stupid reaction over some dumb unwanted animal, but it's automatic, and I can’t help it. A ...