Cecilia’s room is much like mine. Chintzy wallpaper and curtains, a complicated bed with various buttons to make it do different things, plus a few unusual items – the relics, I suppose, of Cecilia’s former life.

She lies down on the bed and raises its head so we can talk. I sit beside her.

‘What’s this?’ I ask, picking up an African-looking carved head. It’s elongated, with long pierced earlobes.

‘It’s from Kenya,’ she says. ‘We lived there for a while. Long ago, of course. I wonder what it’s like now? In those days we were in charge – I mean we English, the white people. It wasn’t right, of course, but at the time it seemed natural. We were rich out there. But the Kenyans were poor.’

‘The colonies. I remember.’

‘It was a life of luxury. It helped me forget…’

‘Forget? Forget what?’

‘I’ve forgotten! No, I’m sorry, silly joke. From Laurel and Hardy – do you remember –when they’re in the Foreign Legion?’

‘Cecilia, slow down. My brain may be working again, but yours is even quicker than mine.’

She giggles. ‘All right. I’ll tell you what happened. It’s sad, though, I warn you. But first, I asked you to come and sit with me for a reason.’

‘Yes? And what is it?’

‘I’m going to die.’

I look at her, and she looks at me, and her face is serious.

‘We’re all going to die,’ I say.

‘Yes, but I’m going to die this afternoon. I’ve decided. And I wanted some company.’

I’m not sure what to say to this.

‘Do you mind?’ she asks.

‘No – no, Of course not. I’m honoured. I suppose. How do you know you’re going to die?’

‘I’ve decided to. I asked the Helpers about it. I thought they could – well, help. They got confused, poor dears. They couldn’t understand why I’d want to, now my health’s good.’

‘I can see their point.’

‘You know, my dear, there’s a time when we should die. Don’t you agree? Oh, not yet for you. You’re young. Only eighty-seven. You wait till you’re past one hundred. It’s all gets a bit much. And a bit boring, too.’

It makes sense. ‘I can see what you mean. As young as I am. I know death’s not far away, but right now I’m enjoying my new lease of life.’