I finally pulled into the motorway services, and I could barely get the car door open fast enough. I bolted, legs stiff, bladder screaming.

I made it maybe six steps.

Then everything inside me gave out.

The shock of it was paralyzing—a sudden rush of warmth down both legs, soaking through my grey sweatpants in seconds. The pavement darkened beneath me as the release came fast, loud, unstoppable. My face went hot. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t believe it had actually happened.