Scolds her tear-stained cheeks as she pushes gently through the rush hour crowds, hoping to be able to catch her breath just ahead. 

The anonymity of these busy streets is so welcoming. This whole trying day an exercise in stiff upper-lipped restraint, of smiling through meetings and reluctant coffee break conversations. 

Her phone buzzes insistently in her bag, each vibration quickening her steps towards home. If she can just reach the embrace of her empty flat, within the silently protective gaze of the four walls, she’ll be fine.