Time limit

I'm sitting opposite the doctor – the specialist – and he has the results of my tests. 4 weeks in left in this life. That's not very long.

I'm on the phone to the rental agent. Last week I learned the owner had decided to sell and now the termination of my lease is confirmed. I'm going to have to pack everything up and move again.

I'm in the meeting room with the head of the company. I'd learned a week earlier about the GFC's sudden violent blow. Now he's telling us each officially one by one. My employment will terminate at the end of the month.

I'm in the warden's office, waiting for a decision on my parole. I've been on my extremely very best behaviour and, according to the rules, I know I should be allowed out in 6 months. His response is unexpected. Not paroled, but completely free in the big wide world in 4 weeks.