Chris James sat hunched over the dining table his eyes not focused on anything in particular. His mind was wandering, as it often did when he was searching for inspiration; his fingers hovered above the laptop poised to type. The self-help book he was penning was probably a month away from completion, but he was finding it increasingly difficult to tie up all his ideas into a satisfying conclusion. He was a keen sportsman himself but also had a passion for the study of the human mind. He was sure he could combine these ideas to help people overcome anxiety and depression through a program of regular exercise. At that very moment it was he who needed helping.
The sound of a key turning in the front door snapped him out of his daydream. Instinctively he glanced at the clock on his desk to work out who it might be – 3:45 read the digital display. Most likely it was Jess, his daughter, returning home from college. The muffled sounds continued in the hallway – bags were being dumped, shoes being kicked off.