I have been asked to demonstrate empathy at work.

Attendance was mandatory. Feeling something was strongly encouraged.

The instructor asked us to describe a time we’d considered someone else’s needs. I said I’d moved the sheep’s charging lead so it wouldn’t have to stand beside the vent. She asked for an example involving a colleague.

I said I’d stopped telling Holden what the hospital food looked like. She wrote something down. I couldn’t see whether it counted.

We took turns listening without interrupting. Bryant lasted eleven seconds. There was a certificate at the end, which seemed generous.

On the roof that evening, the sheep had a piece of packing paper caught in its wool. I took it out. It stood still while I checked the other side.

I stayed until the rain started. There wasn’t a box for that on the form.