A Day of Pampering and a Storm on the Horizon

Cancer had a way of controlling a person's life and causing suffering for everyone else as well. I grew tired of losing the people close to me, so if only someone could discover the solution quickly. And it appeared like she didn't have much longer before dying. That would simply cause Smith to slink farther into the shadows while keeping his suffering a secret from everyone—including me. Why couldn't he put his trust in me? Why was it necessary for me to compete against everyone else?

I collapsed onto the couch. I was almost tempted to smear the comfort of having his mother by my side in his face. But I was unable to do so because he wasn't at home. Another evening spent by myself. I painted my toenails and browsed the internet for new baby sweater knitting ideas.