Selma clicked the pen. Again. And again. She waited impatiently for the doctor to finish reading whatever was inside the folder.

“Selma. The cancer spread. It’s not contained to your…” He spoke for what seemed an eternity. Selma wasn’t even listening. In her head she was already having the conversation with her sister, Kate. Asking Kate to come home. Asking Kate to take care of her.

The doctor continued to talk. Selma nodded whenever he paused and looked at her. She took in everything but what he said. The #1 Grandpa picture frame on the wall with the doctor and a little boy laughing was in complete contrast to the subdued man she had known for the last 18 months. The antique clock on the desk seemed to compete the the laptop that sat next to it.

Abruptly, Selma stood. “I have to call my sister. I’m sorry. Thank you.”

The doctor stared at the door for a long time after Selma left, regretting that he hadn’t pushed her harder to involve her family sooner.