My Heart's Last, Bitter Goodbye

a Sala

e cancer was no longer a silent thief; it was an inferno, consuming me from the inside out. Each breath was a struggle, a tiny vi

h to do. So

bled under me, but I refused to fall. I had to maintain the i

win's bright, carefree giggle, Debbra's softer, melodious one. It was a s

in sat on Debbra's lap, a children's book open between them. Sh

, "the little bunny is g

ght. "No, Debbra, that's th

e so natural, so tender. "Oh, yo

eting mine, then immediately returned to Debbra and the book. I was a fleeting

rds the warmth, towards the family I had lost. "Good morn

king up. He instinctively clutched Debbra's h

er arm, "can we go to the park today? T

"Oh, Elwin, that sounds lovely, but maybe you

e. "But you're always busy, Juliana," he whined, turning back to Debb

mpire for him, to ensure he never knew the hardship I did after our parents died. Every late night, every m

the time in the world. My time, s

ourse, Elwin. Go with Debbra. Have fun." My v

g her hand, already pulling her towards the door. "Come on,

inst the cold wall, needing its support to stay upright. The physical agony flared, a brutal reminder of my failing body, but it was noth