The mornings are still cold. I’ve been wanting to get back to yoga, but trudging up the stairs for decaf at 5:30 am, I feel like I’m 65, my knees stiff, my hips locked.

In spring, the sunshine is at an almost level slant through the sliding deck doors. We’ve stripped off the worn UV plastic panels off them and within 5 minutes, you can feel the warmth seeping into your body. This is Lily’s favourite spot- she’s already soaking up the sunlight and for once, she’s silent. I join her, sitting at the edge of the wooden bench. One by one, I strip off my clothes- half the sliding door is covered by a thermal curtain so the neighbours don’t see anything.

I used to hate the sun, avoided it like a true Asian person (I draw the line though at using an umbrella as a shield). But now, I’ve mentally left the dark and over-cast universe that I’ve inhabited for the better part of my adult life.

And now I’m out in the light, in the sunshine.

My alarm goes off- 10 min to 8am; time to get to work.