Day 25

Louise has brought in the laptop, but the internet connection doesn't work. She rings up one of the hospital IT people and they come and take a look. They say they can't fix it from here, but will try and sort something out from their office. My cousin has also offered a laptop.

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Meanwhile Vera and I have a bubble blowing competition. On the wall behind our beds is a mottled blue and green panel. The nurses tell us it is meant to look like paua shell—that was the idea when they renovated the ward last year. I am unaware of the panel behind me, but can see Vera's. It forms a great back-drop to the bubbles rising above her head. She has told me my attempts were terrible and is now having her own go. I am telling her they don't even reach the top of the paua panel.

This becomes the story she tells visitors that night. That, and the fact that she is being transferred to the rehabilitation ward at Kenepuru Hospital, en route to home.

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Three less than helpful things a nurse might do any old time:

1.	Try and wash you with the flannel she's just dropped on the floor.
2.	Take the extra bedside table away because you've exceeded your allocation.
3.	Tell you she's tired.