ARTHUR So, how was the food in the hospital?

MR. STONE I must have stayed there too long, because it was beginning to taste good.

ARTHUR You know, I've had some patients tell me that if you just pinch you nose and shove it right in, everything will be just fine. So tell me, how is your taste?

MR. STONE Well, it…Honey, could you get me some water. All this talk is making my mouth dry.

MRS. STONE Of course. I'll go get you a glass.

MRS. STONE leaves room.

ARTHUR We're going to be almost done shortly. I won't want you to talk too much longer, okay?

MR. STONE Don't worry about that. I'm not complaining. I really think some of this medicine I'm taking is giving me a dry mouth. The doctor says that might happen.

MRS. STONE Here you go, dear.

MR. STONE Thank you, dear.

MRS. STONE Oh, Arthur, I made some cookies yesterday. Would you like one?

ARTHUR Oh, no thank you, Mrs. Stone, but I appreciate the offer. Mr. Stone, do you have any trouble swallowing? The reason why I ask is because I was noticing your wife handing you the glass and helping you with the drink. How about eating? Does she help you with eating also?

MR. STONE No, no, swallowing is not a problem. They checked that out. I usually go down to the kitchen for supper. Arleen sets up the plate; she cuts my meat into little bite sizes and I can get those down OK. And it's easier to use the special fork I have or my left hand with smaller pieces. And I'm getting strength back in my right hand and arm.

ARTHUR Well, that's good. So, you had a stroke on the 3rd which was 18 days ago, which places you in the hospital 14 days ago, which was April the 7th. Did you have any difficulty eating at that time?

MR. STONE I was very scared. I had almost no use at all on my right side, and I got very tired, even using my left. The nurses would set up everything and Arleen would usually come around mealtime and feed me little bite sizes when I was worn out. …By the way, Arthur, you really should try one of her cookies. Arleen is famous for her oatmeal cookies. I'm ready for one, dear.

MRS. STONE Good!

ARTHUR Well, sure. I'll just have one for the road. Thank you.