‘There’s two things,’ Kate told her. ‘First, I want your advice about coming off the sleeping tablets. What you said really struck a chord. I tried going without one on Saturday night. But it was hopeless. Even though I was exhausted I fell asleep and then I woke up and that was it. I had to take two to get back to sleep.’ Dr Webster looked sympathetic. ‘You need to wean yourself off gently. Not just stop. And just now probably isn’t the best time to do it, when you’re away from home and you’ve got emotional upset.’ ‘I can’t believe I got so dependent. I didn’t realise I couldn’t function without them. I’m really not that sort of person. At least, I didn’t think I was.’ ‘It doesn’t mean you’re any sort of person. It’s easily done. That’s why I’m not keen on prescribing them for any length of time. I don’t want to make any judgements about your doctor …’ ‘Oh, don’t worry about judging him. I’m sure he keeps most of Manhattan tranquilised.’ Kate thought about his plush waiting room and the groomed women waiting for his attention.
