Vera pottered in the kitchen, a wise word in his ear about when to simmer and how long to rest before carving. She might even stir the gravy while Roberto set the table with candles and wine. After dinner Roberto helped Vera shower, handtowel covering his eyes, as he massaged her tender spots and volunteered tips on posture and pelvic floors. Doctor Tom was all smiles at her last check-up. She’d put on weight, her heart was thrumming along nicely and her blood pressure had dropped. He made special mention of the apples in her cheeks and the garlic on her breath. At home, tablets, including those supposed to lift her mood, flushed the toilet every colour of the rainbow.
