A notebook and two pens, which — I have found out since — is what he wrote the letter with.

A hospice residence provides socks.

It provides blankets and toiletries and pyjamas.

I knew that.

I had read the intake pack.

I brought all of it anyway.

And every visit went the same way, and I did not notice the pattern until I read it in his handwriting in January.

I would come in with bags.