Nell: The patient spent a peaceful night.
Me: I didn’t.
Nell: If you insist on checking on her through the night you only have yourself to blame. The patient is showing a healthy appetite and enjoyed her breakfast.
Me: Why do you keep calling Harriet the patient?
Nell: Apologies. Force of habit.
Me: And where did you find that hat?
Nell: It’s my matron’s cap.
Me: It’s a bit scary.
Nell: David loves it. He’s decided he wants to be a doctor.
Me: That’s ambitious.
Nell: I told him that anything is possible if you apply yourself, but I don’t think medicine is for him.
Me: I agree. Although his bedside manner is lovely.
Nell: A doctor cannot hug his patients and cry when they are in pain. It doesn’t inspire confidence.
Me: True.
Nell: Cards have started arriving and can be displayed on the ward, but no flowers.
Me: What ward? Are you talking about my bedroom?
Nell: Yes, for the time being.
Me: I can have flowers if I want to.
Nell: Don’t be difficult. The farm dogs just brought round a bunch of wild flowers. I know they picked them from the hedgerow but it was a kind gesture.
Me: Yes. Very sweet.
Nell: Poppy is giving them tea and biscuits. The poor things look half starved.
Me: I might go back to bed too, Nell. I’m exhausted.
Nell: You will have to be quick then as hospital rounds begin soon.
Me: What? Who is the doctor?
Nell: Mutley, of course. He was a Senior Consultant before he retired. Do keep up.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
