Tea

John nods as he takes another breath from his oxygen mask.

His daughters listen on tearfully as I explain the likely outcome of this admission.

He knows this may be the last time he comes to hospital.

Finally, I offer heavy sedatives and anything else he may need for relief.

He looks at me, nods again and gently taps on his side table.

“In that case, I’ll have a cup of tea please.”

And for the first time, his daughters broke out a laugh while I gladly put on the kettle.