The Good Sister

At some point I am offered pain relief, which I decline. For this, I am lauded by Rose and the nurses and told I am strong, when, in fact, I have refused it because I simply cannot bear the idea of anyone else touching me, even to administer pain relief.

It’s astonishing how easy it is to while away the time just staring at her, marvelling at her tiny eyelashes and squashed up chin and wisps of black hair falling out the sides of her knitted hat.