Patient

Poor Martha is sick and very cross at missing school (three weeks ago she was crying about having to go, so this is progress of a sort). Her friends might "forget" her and it's cruel that she is only allowed dry crackers and a "few sips of horrid water".

Best friend Amelia brought round a new Barbie to cheer Martha up. This was handed over with the caveat: "But you won't get anything for your birthday now." Nonetheless, Barbie was a tonic and Martha is already "feeling much better".