Night Watch
By Alex Dixon
He sits drinking his tea
watching over her
as she sleeps, fitfully.
He can't sleep- too anxious.
She winces and turns
then suddenly sits.
He jumps up
to fetch the bucket- quickly.
She vomits violently.
He whisks away the bucket,
reaches for a tissue
and wipes her mouth gently.
"Sorry." She says.
"Don't be silly," replies he.
He tips the contents down the loo carefully.
She lies back down,
closes her eyes.
He gets back in bed
and finishes his tea, sipping slowly.
He switches on his mobile-
a weak light in the dark room-
and finds Google.
'Chemo side effects' he searches.
A cancer support board.
He clicks onto it gratefully.
Register,
Start new thread.
'Can't sleep, worried about my wife.' he types.
He waits patiently.
She sleeps peacefully.
Her head porcelain-white
on the crimson pillow.
A new comment appears.
'Mate, I know how you feel...' it begins.
He smiles softly.
It feels good to have some company.
Latest updates

Carers UK responds to DWP announcement of aim to tackle all Carer’s Allowance overpayment alerts
Carers UK responds to Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) announcement that it will aim to tackle all Carer's Allowance…

Carer Poverty Coalition responds to Government's welfare reform Green Paper
It's extremely worrying that some measures within the Green Paper on Welfare Reform changing disability and health benefits will actively…

Carers UK celebrates Investing in Volunteers award
Carers UK is delighted to have achieved the UK-wide quality mark for organisations involving volunteers during the charity’s 60th anniversary…

New rise in Carer Support Payment in Scotland earnings limit will increase financial security for carers on a low income
Carers Scotland press release on the increase in earnings threshold for Carer Support Payment in 2025.
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.