Preparations for death.

Morning.

He stood alone in the room. Naked, his pyjamas tossed onto the bed. Ready to get dressed for the day ahead.

First he put on a pair of Jockey underpants, then a singlet, business shirt and trousers. A moment while he searched for a pair socks, then he slipped on his shoes, did up the laces then picked a tie, slipped it around under his collar, knotted it and put on a pullover. Last was his coat. He wore no watch.

Only two things ḻeft to do.

Empty all of his pockets except for his handkerchief, a train ticket, a bus ticket, a part pack of chewing gum, two combs and an Army Club cigarette pack containing seven Kensitas cigarettes, then he removed a small slip of paper from the last page of book he was reading and slipped it into his fob pocket.

He was ready.

He would be dead before midnight.

——-

‘It is anticipated that the final report will be made available to the State Coroner in early 2024.’