Nurses never tell you what they know. They're hired for their cheeriness and the thickness of their hair. They need to look alive and healthy, to give the patients something to aim for.

Adam strokes my head, my face, he kisses my tears. We are blessed. Let them all go. The sound of a bird flying low across the garden. Then nothing. Nothing. A cloud passes. Nothing again. Light falls through the window, falls onto me, into me. Moments. All gathering towards this one.

That slow smile again. I love that smile! DId I think he was ugly just now? No, his face is transformed.

Moments. All gathering towards this one.

I've always wanted to be a cat. Warm and domesticated when you want to be, wild when you don't.

Should we say something?’ Cal asks. ‘Goodbye, bird?’ I suggest. He nods. ‘Goodbye, bird. Thank you for coming. And good luck.

Don't pretend to care. I don't need you as an anesthetic.