Carmen died in 2021, aged just 21, as a consequence of osteosarcoma. A phenomenal intellect, she continued studying for 2 years at university while she received chemotherapy and topped her last subject with full marks, despite that. But if there was an exam in enthusiasm, in empathy, in making people just feel good, Carmen would have topped that too. I was blessed by her friendship, even though I am old enough to be her grandfather.

Coming out of Covid was cruel - we could not attend her funeral as numbers were restricted, but it was streamed. As part of that, we were asked to write down something to add to the remembrance book, a happy memory of her. This is my happy memory. I hope those who never knew Carmen find this tale happy too. Even in death, Carmen should bring smiles.

A few months later, she also triggered in me the initial words that led to my poem "Midwinter". Carmen was the trigger, but the poem referenced four other friends who died of cancer in a space of 6 years, plus our daughter Jessica. And a year later, I read it in honour of my wife Juliet. Unlike this one, the poem takes you to an emotional nadir. This is a good antidote.