Page 132 of Where Do We Go From Here?

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‘Or my age,’ Sue says.

‘Well, they said it might be stress,’ Neil says.

‘And they also said that my age didn’t help,’ Sue insists.

‘OK, yeah, so we don’t know, not officially. But I think it was probably stress. All that business of me being ill.’

‘And I think it was probably my age,’ Sue says. ‘But whatever it was, I was devastated.’

Wendy looks between her brother and his wife. She can see the pain in their eyes and can barely breathe because she’s suddenly aware of how much of it there is. How did she fail to see this before? She feels like she’s about to have a panic attack. Her pain. Her mother’s pain. Their pain. It’s all just too much. She could really do with a drink.

‘Have you got…?’ she starts to ask, but she sees Sue begin to anticipate the rest of her question, and realises that it will just add to their troubles – to everyone’s troubles, including her own. So she stops herself in time. ‘Do you think I could make more tea?’ she asks.

‘Of course,’ Sue says, jumping up. ‘Of course. Let me just put the kettle on.’

Wendy, Harry and John

John: Hello. No, no, please, stay seated! I’m sorry I’m so late. I had a bit of an emergency. Still, we’re all here now, right?

Harry: No worries, eh, Wens?

Wendy: …

J: So a couple of quick questions first. I see here that you’re married.

W: Yes, we are.

J: Since 1990, is that right?

W: Yes.

J: And you have two children, Fiona and Todd?

W: Yes.

H: We did already answer all of these questions. Your secretary gave me a questionnaire to fill in.

J: Yes. That’s what I’m looking at now.

H: Indeed.

J: I’m just checking this is all correct.

H: Well, it is. I’m the one who filled it in.

J: Of course. And you’re a teacher?

H: Yes.

J: And it says here you’re a nurse?

W: Yes!

J: Great. So what can I do for you today?

H: Um… do you want to, Wens? Or…?

W: I can… If you want?

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