[A care home]
-Hello.
-Hello.
-I’ve moved into the room next door.
-I’m Stephen.
-June.
-Nice to meet you, June.
Would you like the tour?
-I need to unpack.
Maybe later.
-Anytime.
I’m right next door.
-Thanks,
Stephen?
Right?
-Yes.
——
-How is it?
-The food?
-Yeah.
-How is it?
-It’s good.
-Really?
-It doesn’t look very appetising.
-Well of course not.
But do vegetables…?
-I suppose not.
———-
-Of course, people pass away every other week.
It’s quite normal.
People talk about it like it’s the weather.
I’ve heard a few of them have bets on who might go next.
Bit cruel if you ask me…
-There’s some people who don’t really need to be here. Do they?
-Not really.
-Like you? You seem fine?
-This seemed like a more financially viable option. For my kids.
I was rattling around a four bedroom house. It wasn’t worth it. They said I’d be better in here.
The other places I’ve been at…
-You’ve been somewhere else?
-Yes. It was closed a few years ago.
-Why?
-It got too expensive, didn’t it?
I had to leave my dog behind.
——–
-It’s lovely that your Peter comes to visit you.
What does he do?
-He’s a rocket scientist.
-No.
-Yes,
I think the exact title is Aeronautical Engineer, but yes, he’s a rocket scientist.
-No.
-Yes,
he’s working on a research project at the moment.
He’s full of big words that I don’t understand.
Clever lad.
-I can’t believe that your son is a rocket scientist.
-Neither can I.
—-
-There are quite a few couples in this place.
-Yes. They are quite good for that.
-If you have enough money…
TO BE CONTINUED
PHILIPPA MANNION 