So it’s a new one now he said. Ah well true the old one went and died.

Lack of oxygen meant that he hissed the words. I’m to be showered today he said and removed the nose clip that held the gas feed in place. When he got up I saw he had a prosthesis replacing his right leg.

What happened to your leg I asked hoping it had been something that hurt really badly but he didn’t answer me.

The decayed body sat on a shower stool. Waited for the home service’s tender hands that would give it a wash. I put on double plastic gloves. The bathroom stank of used nappies and soiled clothes but all that was still more bearable than the pong from his infected gums.

Haven’t you got a washing machine I asked but he didn’t answer.

He seemed unwilling to answer any questions so I stopped. Later when he was back in his armchair with the oxygen tube back in his nose and I was just about to leave he spoke after all.

I know who you are janakippo. And that brother of yours. If he’s even alive. You’ve always been right miserable critters. Not the proper kippo line. Your father was a different sort. A man to reckon with. Died far too soon.

This time I didn’t answer but I thought. Reflected on how comforting it was that it wouldn’t be long now before advanced lung cancer would seal off his body’s orifices for ever.

When I stepped outside the sky was blue and the sun warm. Never had air tasted better. And I had ten minutes to spare as well so I turned into the drive of my childhood home. 61

Bror was doing a crossword puzzle in the kitchen. Something about him was different. He had showered and seemed sober.

I bent down and gave him a hug. It was like hugging myself.

How’s the homecare service he said and looked up.

Bloody awful and good at the same time. The other carers hate me but the work is going all right. Something happens when I visit the oldies. They’re lying there all helpless and for once I know exactly what I need to do. No more and no less.

He smiled a little and scribbled a word. Beat, four letters.

Now since you’ve come by. What about allanberg is he still alive. He is I told him. He asked the same about you.

They say he’s loaded.

Do they now I said that’s new.

Bror I said. Can’t you tell me about maria. It’s tiresome to keep hearing things about her without knowing who she is. Was.

He looked up and asked how long he had. Four minutes I told him.