This student common room housed three queens: my sister J, my sister S and ECM. The loyal subjects of each gathered next to their chosen monarch on the appropriate section of sofa, faces turned in awe towards the object of their affection. What a life: to sit on a “throne” all day with nothing to do but smile at your devoted fans.

Meanwhile, even though it was not my responsibility, I was racing around setting up MSc vivas with PT and fending off questions about my recent elevation to the University senior management team (the reasons for which were a complete mystery to me, as well as to everyone else).