a truck. "Sarah, the leukemia is too aggressive. The

in my bones, a coldness

R T-cell therapy program,

, but by my own f

, her "persistent post-viral fatigue" that always se

nd, and my parents, Mark and Carol, had pulled strings, used their money. The spot that

e in my mouth. My la

?" I asked, m

gently. "We can manage the

ids, potent painkillers. A c

e needles and sickness for nothi

ou a temporary boost of energy, a sense of well-being.

countdown. Fine. It was m

er me, a dangerous quiet. The pain in my joints dulled, a fo

se later that day. Jessie

fing a pillow for Jessie, who was draped o

her voice tight. She always sounde

, brittle smile on my face. The steroids

more color," Dad mumbl

. it' s just dreadful. The doctors at the new wing are hopeful, though. They s

lickered towards me, a tin

said, keeping my voice even. Dr. Albright, the pioneer,

sie said, her voice breathy. "He said my case

arned. "Jessie needs suppor

a dry, humorless sound. "R

g. Like I was the one bein

settled heavy in my ch

red. The fight had gone out o

he Reading Nook," my little bookstore. My pas

voice strangely light

at me, surprised

doing really well online. And 'The R

a little, her

ave them," I sai

ped. Da

dened. "Sarah...

r business than me. And you' ll need something to ke

detached sort of peace, like watc

essie stammered, a flush rising on her ch

told her. "

ou," Dad said, a note of approval in

shows real maturity. Thinking of Jessie, being so

y my life's work to the person who

l, only when I bent to Jessie's will, was a song I'd heard my whole life.

e house I still shared with Da

Ethan, my ten-year-

close to his, laughing. David was leaning against the counte

ood at being a father, good at domestic things

happy family life. I wa

ed with chocolate. "Mom! Jessie

" I said, my voice hol

. "He's a nat

t me. His smile faded

. I

unsaid. My alienation was a

etired early" due to a "sudden dizzy spell

fting his weight from

, his voice low.

knew what

ealth is a big concern. She needs a

.. maybe it would be best for everyo

ryone. And I could... I could fully support Jessie through h

dness. A solution for

another casualty fo

t it was distant, like an echo. The

man I had loved, the fathe