The woman who loves me. Part two.

Seeing Mars in this state was difficult. Even though he was trying to smile, it was clear that he was in a lot of pain.

The moment we drove up to the house, I was sure he wouldn't let us in. But to my surprise, he opened the door and let us in.

Despite the fact that he was dying, his face radiated serenity and even happiness.

He wasn't lying down, he kept reading a book. He was not afraid, he went on living as if he had many more years ahead of him.

He looked us in the eye and in that look I saw confidence. I saw a courage that inspired me to act and live.

My heart ached, but I cheated death. His heart did not ache, but death walked everywhere he was.

And now, as we sat in the living room watching television together, or rather watching Natalie's face as she continued to talk about the new world, the new rules, I looked at him and didn't know if he was afraid.