The tears came with a whoosh

My wife took the call and relayed me the news. We'd arrived back from holiday yesterday evening, tired, but having enjoyed a great week away.

My best mate Steve had been very ill for some years. We'd been friends since becoming next door neighbours in '73. A similar age, we'd been united in 'real ale'. But recently he'd been a shadow of his former self. Kidney failure, both sides. He was on regular dialysis... it wasn't working!

He was on the list... for years and years, getting increasingly poorly.

While we were away, suddenly... a transplant. Just like that! Wonderful!