I have around twenty different and separate projects to attend to, all similarly urgent. Some are of a burocratic, if deadline-based nature; some relate to my imperative need to find myself a job; some revolve around remedial work on this house.

The phone has not stopped ringing: friends and relatives who need to share their shock and sadness, anger or surprise at the denouement of Miss Scarlet Letter.

I've lost my will to live.