Day 28 - Dementia

Did you see where I put my lighter?

What day of the week is it?

What day of the month is it?

Really? I thought we were close to Christmas!

Oliver! No, nothing – I just wanted to check if you were here.

I’ve never watched this soap opera before.

What’s the name of the black cat? And the yellow one?

Do you ever think about returning to England?

Who keeps my bank card? You or your brother?

Selling my car was the biggest mistake of my life.

It’s so dark outside.

Can you make sure you lock all the doors?

Day 29 - Pool

“I have a job for you,” my brother says. “How do you feel about cooling yourself in our pool and scrubbing its borders?”

And so I head up the mountain at 4pm, towel in hand, plus a large brush.

Falcons on a nearby tree announce my approach and fly away. The pool’s sides are caked with brown slime. I slide into the water and get started on its steps. Bits of brown algae break free and cling to my hairy chest.

I get a rhythm going; the pool stops me from breaking a sweat. Clouds gather; the sun sets.

Fit.