The small black furry corpse spilled out of my green leather handbag onto the floor of E’s office high up the new tower block. To my shame I had completely forgotten that the poor creature had been in there. I could not recall when I’d tidied the living cat away into my handbag, nor when I last gave it anything to eat or drink. As a cover I came up with some story that a tumour had killed kitty. However I knew the truth: the death was entirely due to my neglect.

In compete contrast E’s own cat was a picture of health. Although a hairless breed, E had somehow coaxed the creature to grow a fluffy white coat. To add a bit of colour its body was now decorated at regular intervals with a few long strands of purple wool-like hair. With her own hair dyed in an identical hue, E and her cat were the epitome of the “pet-owner” fashion ensemble.