Jewelled friends, by Alan
I have a pretty little carved wooden pill box which I’d bought in Eureka California. It holds my tablet set for the evening if I’m going out. My mobile phone is set to ring twelve hours apart to remind me; and my man reminds me too. A little obsessively, I snap the tablets from each blister sheet in an even order so I am confident I’ve taken one of each without having to count. Once I dropped one in the bedroom and wasn’t happy until I found it in order to keep the sets even! I regard them as little white jewels to be treasured and respected. When I have a month’s supply left I get slightly panicky and make sure I get another three months supply. When the box arrives by post it feels like receiving a present. They really are a gift. I feel very lucky I live in a country where I can get HIV treatment. The tablets look after me and keep me well - in fact I think of them as dear friends.

