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

arm, "can we go to the park today? The

"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,

eminder of my failing body, but it was nothing compared to the desolation in my heart. A memory surfaced, unbidden: Elwin, no older than five, running a high fever. He had clutched his one-eyed teddy bear, refusing to sleep, keep