Welcome to Lyon.

Not quite Anchorage.

What a joyful experience it is to travel to Europe and escape from the abject insanity of life in our busy advertising agency. Why, sometimes I have had to appear in the office as early as 11 am!

“It’s this crazy North American work ethic,” Sebastian commented while behind me his hands gently manipulating my hips, adjusting my yoga position.

I had left the office a little early, at 2 pm since an air conditioner on the second floor had failed.

“It’s inhuman expecting staff to work in these conditions,” I had pointed out to Brenda, our human resources manager. Admittedly my office is on the seventh floor, but it’s the principle of the thing.

“What you need is a holiday, Fiona,” said Sebastian as he adjusted my pose. He’s right, of course. I do so much more than the required amount of work. That’s the sort of person I am. Always ‘over delivering’.

“You’re running a serious risk of burn out. And then what would people do?” he continued. “With so many people depending on you, you’re almost honor bound to get away. It’s the kindest thing to do.”

I sat upright and took a sip of Perrier.

“It’s true,” I said. “Few people understand the pressures on a transgender advertising executive.”