Although I supplied the food for the end of term party, I had no intention of eating a mince pie with green butter. Next to the spread, CFS and I discussed escape plans for the holiday. Would we get away with not coming in on Thursday, the last official day at work? I was pretty sure that my boss would be there to check that everyone worked right up to the last minute. Anyone in my team who left early would be taking a huge risk.

Regardless, I made that Wednesday my last day on campus, and first thing the next day TPR and I drove west. We were going to visit the world’s most beautiful beach. Our destination – found on a small island off one of the Inner Hebrides – was a sore disappointment. We knew of a hundred better candidates than this tiny bay and its damp, dark cave.