His birthday. I tried to make myself look nice and went to offer up our congratulations. I was lucky to catch him in the corridor, one patient having just left and the next one not yet in. I put my arm round his neck to kiss him. He put his right hand on my breast. Afterwards I helped Margo prepare for the birthday party two days later. I left feeling happy, especially at the thought that both he and Margo – I considered them both my friends – seemed happy, too.

His birthday party. Disappointing. Too many people. He had no time for me. He looked well.