There was a time I wouldn't think twice about just popping into Femke's office without even a toodly-do. We just had that kind of open relationship. But the last little while had left us strained and uncomfortable around each other, so I erred on the side of polite and sent her a gentle nudge to let her know Charlotte, Sage and I were on the way.

She welcomed me instantly, though with a touch of distance that still made me sad. I wished there ...