Gentle Words

She hadn't eaten for two days and we were starting to get worried. I was as yet to hear an intelligible word pass her still down-turned lips. But we continued to try and now it was my turn.
Strawberry mousse for desert.
"Wouldn't you like to try a little?"
She shook her head, "Mousse, it's really nice."
Another shake.
"It's O.K. it doesn't come with a tail." I hoped she would get the joke. Moose - Scottish for mouse.
Then the world's most glorious sound... Laughter. From somewhere deep insider her that brought the entire staff running. It was a day we all thought we would never see. She smiled and talked for the entire day. A window into a world that remained closed for the rest of the time I spent with her.