As the next week passed in enforced idleness, his resolve to remain resolute began to wane. His life had been defined by his work and the people around him. Once they were gone, he had nothing to define himself against. Every day found him a little smaller and weaker, more dependent on the good will of his wife. His world seemed to be bounded by the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. He had to quit smoking altogether during the week. Every time he caught a lungfull of second-hand smoke he began coughing and started to regurgitate. Howard lost interest in watching the news and sport programs. They were part of a world that didn’t concern him anymore.