‘But it’s Winifred who I feel the most gratitude to. Her and her team of nanobots. They are tireless. Literally. As you might guess. And what she says about caring for old people is true. It’s not complicated, but you have to be thorough, and persistent, and never give up. A Helper will keep going forever. A human carer – from what I remember, they barely get going. I don’t blame them. It’s a job with little status, poor rewards, it’s repetitive and, I imagine, boring. But a Helper doesn’t care. And if you’re wondering whether you’d want a robot looking after you, all I can say is, they’re brilliant. And inside you? A team of microscopic robots, mending you, restoring you, putting everything to rights? It’s fantastic. I’m alive. They’ve made my life worth living all over again. Thank you, Winifred. And please thank the nanobots for me.’

Winifred smiles and nods her acceptance of my thanks.

And then, at a word from Stephen Jordan, the questions begin, and go on for the next half an hour. And then at last I’m back in the car with Winifred, on my way home.

I sink back into the soft leather-covered seats of the car next to Winifred. A body memory comes to me, of needing to rest or even sleep after an event like the one I’ve just left. But I realise at once I’m not tired. When did I last not feel tired after any sort of excitement? Longer ago than the dark ages – the great dozing – in fact, I think it was before Bill’s death. I remember how we both noticed the time when it became necessary to make a noise – an ‘oof’ sound – on sitting down, and a more strenuous one on getting out of a chair.

In fact, I think the tiredness started at the menopause. Was it connected with changes in hormones? And now I feel alert, are my hormones returning to their former electrifying condition? What on earth will it be like? At 87?

‘Winifred – are the nanobots stimulating my hormones?’

Winifred smiles.

‘No. Why, are you experiencing something you think is hormonal?’

‘I’m not sure. I don’t feel as tired after all the excitement as I expected I would.’

‘Perhaps it’s your general improvement in health.’

‘Thank goodness for that. I’m happy to be restored to health, but I don’t want my hormones stirred up again.’

Winifred says nothing, but gazes at me. I have the feeling she’s connecting to my nanobots, and having a rummage around inside me.

‘Are you talking to my nanobots?’

If she were human, she’d blush now. Instead, she nods and looks unruffled.

‘I’m checking your hormone levels. We haven’t stimulated them, but it’s possible your improvement in overall health might do so.’