“Hey, it’s my two favorite men,” Hazel hoarsly said while smiling. “Why does she sound like that?” I whispered to the doctor, whom merely shrugged, “The thrush is getting to her in her throat.”

I stood while Liam went up to his mom, “Hey mommy,” Liam quietly greeted.

“Hey honey, how’ve you been?”

Liam shrugged, tears streaming down his face all the same, “Same old same old.”

“That’s good, what about you Joel?”

“Same here. Nothing changes anymore.” Until now… I thought to myself. Then Hazel and I continued talking to each other, laughing at times, pausing for Hazel to cough. Liam sat silently in one of the chairs.

It was when Hazel and I were talking about good books that Liam jumped from his chair, “Stop acting like nothing is wrong both of you! She’s fucking dying and you’re just talking about good books!” Liam broke down then, falling to the floor in tears. “Liam honey…before…before I go,” Hazel choked a sob from the words, “I need to tell you something.”