December 2008 — Oh, Christmas Tree

The physician withdrew his finger and took off the rubber gloves.

“Well, Mr Parkinson,” he said. “There’s nothing actually wrong with you, as such. It’s just…”

“My body is wearing out?”

“Exactly. I couldn’t have put it better myself. It often happens at your age, you know. Joints start to pack up, skin goes a bit leathery, that sort of thing. And once it happens,” he shrugged expansively, “There ain’t a lot you can do about it, old chum.”