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.

great, or no?” Each word seemed

you trying to

the blankets around him and teased, “You shouldn’t concern yourself with my feelings at this point. You’re

It was the most trivial of matters that often

that everything was fine. It was as if living in denial could change one’s fate, even though it was no more than an

closer to imminent death. In a sense, lying was the only way to pull through the agonizing journey toward the

as he added weakly, “I feel terrible, and everything hurts. It’s

I could not suppress the sorrow that rose in me. My

you scared of?” Marcus was heaving as he said this, and his warm breath

emotions and shook my head. Instead, I coaxed him, “Nothing. You shouldn’t be scared, either. I’ve tracked down the best doctors in the world, and

a moment before lifting my gaze. Nudging his elbow, I added, “Be a man

I had touched him. The expression in his eyes did not change as he silently contemplated my words. A while