Wherever I went I felt unwelcome. Even so-called friends gave me the cold shoulder. For example, when out walking across moorland with SS on the Isle of Lewis she feigned friendship, yet always ensured that she kept several steps ahead of me, almost as though I was not worthy enough to be in her presence.

On campus at Warwick University the other members of the newly-established management centre sneaked off to the new building “forgetting” to leave me any directions. Even BK (who actually should have been in Bath at the time) pretended that he didn’t know me.

I eventually found everyone in the bar of the students’ union. They behaved like bullying teenagers, half-ignoring me, yet still willing to let me pay for their food and drinks. Only my old Birmingham University friend SH showed any affection, but I could tell that his hug was motivated by duty rather than true friendship.