So I became the person who took care of Valerie.
Watching her body weaken was brutal.
I took her to chemotherapy appointments, picked up prescriptions, and cooked meals she barely touched.
I sat beside her when she couldn’t sleep.
One afternoon, after a particularly bad appointment, Valerie leaned her head against the passenger window while I drove.
« I’m ruining your life, » she said.
I became the person who took care of Valerie.
I glanced at her.
« You have cancer. You’re allowed to be inconvenient. »
She laughed weakly.