2003-05-24 9:15 am

Bread and Butter

Yesterday I was so weak with hunger when I returned home that I collapsed into an armchair, my whole body vibrating with a horrible hot flush. I had nothing but black thoughts for the world and myself.

After several minutes passed I stood up, went to the cupboard, cut a slice of bread and buttered it, then collapsed back onto the armchair once more, waiting for the strength from the bread to pass into my limbs before I could make myself a second larger slice. This I managed eventually, drinking a cup of milk as well.

Feeling restored enough to move to the kitchen table, I gathered up some vegetables and began to slice them. As the bread and the milk did their work, I began to feel more sanguine. By the time I was stirring the stew, which was bubbling on the hob, my spirits were entirely restored, and though tired out and ready for bed, I was content and happy once more.

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