When There Is Nothing Left But Love

I could empathize with Marcus if he refused to be seen by someone he loved in a state ravaged by illness. His emotions were my priority, and I would respect any decision he made.

Marcus stared at me quietly for a long time until it felt like the time and space around us were frozen. His pupils barely moved, and he did not seem angered by my presence. Only the arrhythmic beating of his heart assured me that he was still alive.

I took his silence as tactful rejection. Maybe Marcus was not prepared to see me yet.

Mustering a smile on my face, I nodded my head a fraction to let him know that I was not upset by his decision.

I had just turned around to leave when he said, “I knew you would come. Please take a seat.” I knew you would come. Please, sit.

The words rang in my head as I took a deep breath to push down the urge to burst into tears. I composed myself before returning to his bedside and taking a seat.

“How do you feel today? Better?” This sort of small talk felt rather cliché to me, yet it always seemed like the most natural thing to do.

That I’m feeling great, or no?” Each word seemed to sap Marcus’ energy, though he stubbornly maintained that self-deprecating expression on

are you trying to

concern yourself with my feelings at this point. You’re the patient here. So tell

most trivial of matters that often courted the harshest

and assure everyone that everything was fine. It was as if living in denial could change one’s fate, even though it

sense, lying was the only way to pull through the agonizing

came his loud answer. It seemed to exhaust him as he added weakly, “I feel

was being harsh to vent his anger, yet I could not suppress the sorrow that rose in me. My hands paused in their motion,

heaving as he

You shouldn’t be scared, either. I’ve tracked down the best doctors in the world, and they’ll figure something out. You’re Marcus White, for God’s sake. You’ve cheated death more times than I can remember, and you won’t go down so

paused for a moment before lifting my gaze. Nudging his elbow, I added,

the spot where I had touched him. The expression in his eyes did not change as