Three Years, One Big Lie

bling with excitement. "They're letting me out

ng little to soothe the pounding in his h

g so well, there's no rea

le. He wasn't ready. The house was sti

Are you

atients this morning. I c

packed and ready. Our

e shower and into the master bathroom, fumbling through the medicine cabinet for the stoma

the cabinet door when he saw it. A new, unopened bottle tuck

t you a new one. Remember

always one step ahead, always taking care of him, even when he barely noticed. He dry-

decided to call her. Just to see where she was. To tell her to come

d Gladys. Please leave a message." Her voice was warm and cheerful, a stark con

ianna' s room. She was practically vibrating with energy, dressed in jeans and a bright

he threw her arm

ags. He was careful with her, guiding her through the hospital corridors,

e," she said, taking a deep breath of t

redecorating the apartment, the places they would travel, the life they would finally have. He just nodded, his

fancy place downtown that Gladys had always want

aking sure everything was compliant with her post-transplant di

ttle dry," she com

," he said, his pa

ng across the table to take his ha

a sharp voice cut through t

n of a