As I watched the news show Marvin and Sharon enjoying their new life together, a bitter taste rose in my throat. My stomach churned, and I quickly grabbed a couple of tissues, pressing them to my mouth.
After clearing my throat softly, I pulled the tissues away, only to find them stained a deep crimson. It seemed my time was running out.
I pulled the diagnosis from the hospital out of my bag—lung cancer.
It felt absurd.
I had never considered myself a bad person, yet life seemed to have dealt me a cruel hand.
I fought back the urge to let my anger and despair spill over, wobbling unsteadily as I stood up and headed upstairs. But just a few steps up the staircase, my legs gave out beneath me, and I collapsed.
When I came to, my arms and legs were bruised and aching.
Struggling, I managed to get back on my feet and stepped outside, hailing a cab to check on my injuries.
The ride was rough; I couldn't stop coughing. The driver glanced at me with concern. "Are you okay, miss?"
I took a deep breath, forcing a weak smile. "I'm fine, really."
Once at the hospital, I got in line to see the doctor for my injuries.
After a quick examination, he prescribed some medication and warned me to avoid water.
As I left, I spotted Marvin. What a coincidence.
I quickly turned my head, not wanting to see him—or his new girlfriend.
Another fit of coughing hit me, and I covered my mouth, feeling the warm trickle of blood on my hand. A stranger handed me a tissue, and I looked up at him gratefully.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked.
I shook my head weakly. "I'm fine."
He pressed further, "What about your family?"
I forced a wry smile.
My parents had passed away five years ago, along with Marvin's, in a tragic plane crash.
"They're gone," I said quietly.
"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. But you really should get checked out; your cough looks pretty serious. It could be your lungs," he suggested, concern etched on his face.
I managed a faint smile. If there were even a glimmer of hope for healing, I wouldn't feel so utterly lost and hopeless.
"Marvin, I think I just saw Ms. Parker," I overheard someone say.
"Ha! How could she possibly be here? She's tougher than nails," Marvin replied, his voice as cold as ice.
His words pierced through me, and a wave of sadness washed over me. If I were gone, he'd be relieved.