Jill learnt she had cancer just about a year ago, but was told quite early that it may be impossible to treat it. She'd had no obvious symptoms till she developed a pain in her hip. The doctors were unable to locate the primary site and after she'd had a few radiation treatments, she said she'd prefer to enjoy whatever time she had left, rather than struggle with the treatment. She was quite accepting and philosophical about her condition. The last time I saw her was on the afternoon before she flew to England, about a month ago.
She was girlish and enthusiastic about the trip, even though she said she really didn't want to go. She was looking frail, but her hair had grown back in, looking like a trendy little pixie-cut. I think we both recognized we wouldn't meet again, but it was a happy, light-hearted meeting nevertheless, as she packed away her things and despaired of ever getting her bedroom tidied up before her departure at midnight. Yadav was there and also her friend Barbara, who made two cups of very strong coffee. We hugged and wished one another well, and ... that was that.
Wherever you are, Jill, I raise my cup of Italian espresso to you, with happy memories of our lunches at the Italian Consulate Cafe in Delhi!
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