way from hers. "It's nice. But my hands are

. And I appreciate it. But you don't

involves Ju

d. "What are you

ensive lunches. The..

ble floor. "I don't have to listen to this. I'm trying to

y throat. A wave of dizziness wa

ftened, a hint of concern. O

anaged. "Ju

again. "I have a meeting. About a new investor.

th the untouched food and th

Deep, wracking coughs that left me

te. "Networking,"

e light. My reflection was a stranger. Pal

ve face creams and serums mocked me from t

ills I'd been prescribed after m

e designer shoes kicked off by the bed. The framed photo of us on the nights

them all in

, I tore out the photos. Her smiling face, m

wn the aisle, her eyes fixed on me. S

e dumpster behind th

finality of it, made me weak. I leaned ag

clinic. Emily, th

ur latest bloodwork... it's not good. T

What was