'Too much, too young'

Spring 1996 - during the visit the Consultant arrived. He was a tall and imposing man in a suit. Most of them seem to be.

He talked and laughed with Elaine. It was very relaxed. Then he asked her if she wanted to stay in the hospice or if she wanted to go home.

Elaine looked straight at him, she knew exactly what she wanted. She wanted to go home.

He said he would sort it out with the hospice, arrange with them for carers to be available to stay with her when her family and friends could not be around. She thanked him. He went away.

She got her wish. She would go home.

For the last time.