“I was utterly exhausted by the late afternoon when the kids and Peter visited. Eating was difficult, both physically and mentally. Chewing and swallowing was still uncomfortable. I didn’t want to eat with the other patients. I had no appetite and my fingers were disgusting. Or rather: I was afraid others would find my fingers disgusting and then not be able to eat. My fellow patients ate in the common room, but I stayed in my room during every meal.”