Living longer – but how ?

Doris opens her eyes. Sleepily she squints at the alarm. Oh, it is already so late and still so dark. Raindrops drum on the window panes. With this kind of weather you would rather pull the blanket over your head and not get up at all.
She feels an irritation in her throat. I do hope I shan’t fall ill is what she thinks with some worry. Had she not resolved to watch out for her health and wanted to implement her good resolution.
In spite of wind and cold she should get more exercise outside, well protected of course. Even a walk in the woods would be for her like an act of heroism, because she is so sensitive about the weather and catches a cold easily.
Mostly it starts with hoarseness. Jus imagine how terrible this could all be. She can already see herself lying in bed for days with high fever. I really must fix an appointment with the doctor, she thinks. He will surely tell me I need a rest. Yes this would be very good for her. Leave everything behind – cold, rain, frost, darkness just get away. Away to the sun – that is the solution. Even the predicted high pressure zone over the Azores cannot change her decision. Spontaneously she rings up her friend and tries to win her over for her plan. She needs all her powers of conviction and she manages it! Two weeks later both are on the road to the airport and are as happy as children about the holidays on a sunny island. They imagine the most wonderful experiences which will help them forget the day-to-day stress. Josee I’m happy that you can come with me says Doris. I wasn’t sure until now if you would withdraw.
Annemarie (Luxembourg)